As with so many aspects of parenting, starting out on the weaning journey can fill parents with excitement, but there is also the very real perceived pressure of ‘getting it right’. There are reams of information about nutrition and health in general, but also numerous ways to approach weaning in the ‘best’ way for your baby.

It can still be common to hear people express concerns about babies meeting their unique nutritional demands as they embark into the world of food when following a vegetarian or vegan diet. In reality, we are seeing more and more babies being weaned on plant-based, vegetarian or vegan diets due to increased interest in factors such as sustainability, the environment and health.

Whilst additional considerations and awareness of key nutrients are very important, with the right guidance babies and children can readily achieve all the energy and nutrients they need for growth & development when following these diets. Knowledge and practical understanding can help ensure your child’s nutritional needs are met. Below I’ve shared some key aspects to consider and top tips from weaning and beyond.

Guest blog by Lucy Upton, Specialist Paediatric Dietitian @childrensdietitian.

A variety of questions come up, when parents are first thinking about starting solid foods with their infants. Lucy has written a very helpful frequently asked questions style blog to address all the things you need know!

Who, really, has a clue how much sugar their children consume? Chocolate bars, bags of sweets, even slices of cake,

There were 6,350 hospital admissions of boys up to age 19 with obesity in a year

And this was even for higher for girls in the same age bracket at 11,900 cases

The Government last month unveiled a strategy to try to tackle the problem

Fruit is reigning as the most popular lockdown snack for toddlers at home, according to data from the Infant & Toddler Forum (ITF).

Research shows full-fat milk is best for kids and shouldn't affect their weight.

If your child is grumpy, seems tired or isn't doing as well as they might at school the problem might be that they're not eating a proper breakfast.

Analysis by the Infant & Toddler Forum (ITF) found 49 per cent of meals served to children aged between one and four were outside the recommended portion size range.

Study found being mostly vegan reduces risk of early death by any cause by 25%

Scientists stress people do not have to give up meat and dairy completely

But they should have a 'larger proportion of plant-based foods' in their diet.

Around 3.5 million people living in the UK are vegan – the equivalent of around seven per cent of the population, according to estimates.

And, as the diet has surged in popularity, more mothers are choosing to make their baby a vegan.

Experts warn that a healthy vegan diet can be healthy but must be done right

A study of veganism found a lack of nutrients such as vitamin B12 is damaging

Paediatric dietitian Lucy Upton agrees that vegan diet requires careful attention

Karris McCulloch turned vegan after being a vegetarian for most of her adult life, after the birth of her first child she and her husband decided to raise their family on a plant-based diet