Angus and Hamish are identical twins. Born to committed vegan parents, they have been vegan since birth. One year old at the time of writing, they are happy and healthy with a balanced and varied diet. The twins' mother Kate Melvin had this to say in the Viva!/VVF 'Vegetarian and Vegan Mother and Baby Guide'.
"Being vegan yourself is one thing. Other people simply tell you that you are extreme. Bringing up vegan babies is a whole different ball game. For some people this is a step too far and you are being irresponsible by inflicting your beliefs on your children. As a vegan couple we felt there was no alternative but to bring up our twins, Hamish and Angus, as vegan.
As a vegan of 13 years I enjoyed a relaxed and trouble-free pregnancy. Not only did I stay very active and healthy, but much to the amazement of the health proffesionals, I carried our babies for the full 40 weeks! (unusual for twins). Angus was 6Ibs 11oz and Hamish 7Ibs 4oz which for twins is fantastic (the average is 3Ibs).
Hamish and Angus arrived naturally and were breastfed almost exclusively until I returned to work at five months and for some feeds until eight months. Soya formula milk is not difficult to get hold of and they both thrive on it. At the start of weaning, we used potatoes, vegetables and fruit but the biggest hit, and still is, was porridge each morning. I gradually introduced lentils in soups and beans mashed up as well as useful foods such as ground seaweed, tahini, yeast extract, hazelnut oil, dried fruits etc. Hamish and Angus will try anything and the staff at the nursery look forward to trying their exciting dinners. They have even suggested we write down the recipes! All babies have their favourites and for Angus and Hamish it's avocado and rice.
I am careful with their food, as I am more concerned than most parents that they should be happy, healthy, well developed children. I was initiallly worried that I might not be able to provide all the nourishment they needed but as time goes on I realise they are fully nourished, energetic boys. Their developmental review at seven months confirmed that they were advanced for their age. So I need not have worried and would have no hesitation in recommending a vegan diet to anyone. Hamish and Angus are living proof that a vegan diet is not only perfectly safe but a healthy alternative to one full of animal proteins and fats.
Sadly everyone around me is waiting for our children to be ill or under-developed in some way so their concerns are finally justified. However, with such strong, intelligent, lively, happy and contented toddlers I think they will be waiting a long, long time! Indeed the childminder who looks after Hamish and Angus at nursery- Janet- had this to say about them and thinks that the twins are as developed as 15-month-old toddlers!": "In my 25 years experience with children I haven't seen such strong toddlers! I cannot believe they are vegan. It must be all the good quality, healthy food they eat."