is quorn OK?

[curlyLJ]

Have just started weeaning 6mo DD.

We are not veggies, but tend to use Quorn for things like spag bol or chilli as we are not big red meat eaters...

Is quorn OK for babies?

I know they need iron and I will ensure she does eat red meat in other forms, I'm just unsure about the quorn...I'd rather she eat what we eat tho, rather than making up special meals.

Thanks

I wouldn't risk it personally, I am asthmatic and had a nasty allergic reaction to Quorn. I felt sick, had an upset stomach, and felt flushed and hot and itchy. I also became wheezy and had to take my inhaler. If you and DH have no problem with it though you might like to try a small amount, I don't actually know if it would be recommended for babies though.

Quorn should be fine, we used it during the later stages of weaning and it was fine. It's not soya based it is mushroom protein so unless there is a problem with this, (maybe the reason for your reaction Evenstar?) then I can't see why not. The iron is covered by the formula or breast milk and other parts of diet.

Only problem we can see it caused is that now she is nearly two...she wants meat with every meal! Sausage for breakfast, ham for lunch and chicken for tea!

Quite aside from any potential allergy issues, I believe it's not recommended for babies and small children because it's so low in fat and thus doesn't meet their need for lots of calories in relatively small portions.

I've only just started to give it (occasionally) to my 2.5 year old. He'll probably be having it even less frequently now as I've just started weaning his 6 mo sister.

'tis a pain, I know. I eat it fairly frequently myself and it is so much easier being able to make the same meal for everyone.

I have never had such a severe allergic reaction to a food before, the only thing comparable in suddeness and severity was a reaction to over the counter cough remedy more than 30 years ago, I eat mushrooms most days and have no problem with them. I have had asthmatic reactions to perfumes/washing powders but nothing else food wise.

I did look online after the problem I had and there seemed to be other people who were unwell after eating it, but no real agreement on how common this reaction is.

I wouldn't want to put others off trying it, just think it is better to be aware it can cause problems especially if you have asthma/allergies in the family.

I am not reccomending that anyone feeds their child a diet made up from entirely Quorn... a balnced diet should provide all of the requirements and at the star of weaning its best to try as many things as possible to prevent fussy eating later!