Exploring Vegan Mothers’ Experiences of Making Food Choices for Infants and Young Children Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior

Objective: The aim of our study was to explore vegan mothers’ experiences and decision-making process when feeding their young child (up to age three). Methods: We conducted a qualitative photo-elicitation interview study in the United Kingdom. Eight vegan mothers provided five photographs of food choices they had made for their child and completed online photo-elicitation interviews to discuss these images. Data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Five themes were developed: role modelling eating behavior; shared decision-making; nutritional guidance for vegan parents; fear of judgement for being vegan; and desire for convenience. Conclusions and Implications: Findings illustrate the complexity of the decision-making process and highlight the need for targeted resources for vegan parents. There is a need for awareness raising and training for healthcare professionals and the development of vegan specific child feeding resources to facilitate provision of evidence-based nutritional guidance for vegan parents.