Q&A: I'd like to raise my child as a vegan. How can I safely do this?

According to the American Dietetic Association:

A vegetarian, including vegan, diet can meet current recommendations for all of (these) nutrients, including protein, iron, zinc, calcium, vitamin D, riboflavin, vitamin B-12, vitamin A, n-3 fatty acids, and iodine. In some cases, use of fortified foods or supplements can be helpful in meeting recommendations for individual nutrients. Well-planned vegan and other types of vegetarian diets are appropriate for all stages of the life cycle, including during pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, and adolescence.

Nutritional Guidelines:

If your baby is less than a year old breast milk is the best choice for providing optimal nutrition. After your child reaches the six-month mark, breast milk can be complemented with vegetables, fruits, whole grains, tofu, and beans.

Daily Diet for Children between 1 to 4 Years of Age:

Whole Grains, Breads, Cereals
4 servings

Vegetables
2 to 4 tablespoons dark green vegetables
1/4 to 1/2 cup other vegetables

Legumes, Nuts, Seeds, Non-Dairy Milks
1/4 to 1/2 cup legumes
3 servings breast milk, soy formula, soymilk, or other non-dairy milk

Fruits
3/4 to 1 1/2 cups

The American Dietetic Association makes the following recommendations:

• Consult a registered dietitian or other qualified nutrition professional, especially during periods of growth, breastfeeding, pregnancy, or recovery from illness.
• Choose whole or unrefined grain products instead of refined products.
• Choose a variety of nuts, seeds, legumes, fruits, and vegetables, including good sources of vitamin C to improve iron absorption.
• For infants, children, and teenagers, ensure adequate intakes of calories, vitamin D, calcium, iron, and zinc. (Intakes of vitamin D, calcium, iron, and zinc are usually adequate when a variety of foods and sufficient calories are consumed.)
• If exclusively breastfeeding premature infants or babies beyond 4 to 6 months of age, give vitamin D and iron supplements to the child from birth or at least by 4 to 6 months, as your doctor suggests.
• Usually, take iron and folic acid supplements during pregnancy.

Vegans are often deficient in the following nutrients, so make sure these are included in your family's diet:

• Vitamin D: fortified soy beverages and sunshine
• Vitamin B12: fortified soy beverages and cereals
• Calcium: tofu processed with calcium, broccoli, seeds, nuts, kale, bok choy, legumes (peas and beans), greens, lime-processed tortillas, and soy beverages, grain products, and orange juice enriched with calcium
Iron: legumes, tofu, green leafy vegetables, dried fruit, whole grains, and iron-fortified cereals and breads, especially whole-wheat. (Absorption is improved by vitamin C, found in citrus fruits