As a parent, it’s important to know about potential allergies that your baby may suffer from; this includes gluten allergies and coeliac disease. These can make your baby uncomfortable and even affect their health.
At Piccolo, we want to ensure you never feel alone on this feeding journey. Below, we explain the difference between gluten allergy and coeliac disease, we discuss risk factors and symptoms to look out for and we share the best gluten-free diet options.
Key Takeaways about Gluten free & coeliac allergy
- Understand the difference between baby gluten allergy and infant coeliac disease
- Learn to recognise common symptoms of gluten intolerance in babies
- Discover safe alternatives for a gluten-free diet
- Gain confidence in navigating food labels for hidden gluten sources
- Know when to seek medical advice for suspected gluten allergy or coeliac disease.
Understanding gluten allergies in babies
Gluten is found in wheat, barley, and rye and while most babies are fine, some may in fact have a gluten sensitivity. Here’s what you need to know about gluten allergies in your baby…
What is gluten and how does it affect babies?
Gluten essentially makes bread and pasta chewy. When introducing solid foods, be careful with gluten as some babies might be more likely to have a gluten allergy or intolerance. This can cause tummy troubles and other symptoms.
The difference between gluten allergy and coeliac disease
Gluten allergy and coeliac disease are not the same. A gluten allergy makes your little one’s immune system react, causing rashes and tummy issues. Coeliac disease damages your baby’s small intestine when they eat gluten. Both require a gluten-free diet, but coeliac disease is permanent.
Risk factors for babies developing a gluten allergy
Some things might make a baby more likely to have a gluten allergy or sensitivity…
- Family history of gluten intolerance or coeliac disease
- Certain genetic markers
- Other food allergies or autoimmune conditions
If your baby is at risk, talk to your baby’s doctor, they can guide you on when to introduce gluten and what to look out for. Choosing gluten-free baby food can help to avoid reactions and ensure your baby eats well.
Symptoms of a gluten allergies in babies
As a parent, knowing the signs of gluten allergy in babies is important as spotting symptoms early can lead to a quick diagnosis and treatment. Learning about gluten allergy symptoms in babies helps you know when to get medical help.
Common signs and symptoms of gluten allergy in babies
Babies with gluten allergy may show different signs. These include…
- Chronic diarrhoea or constipation
- Abdominal pain and bloating
- Vomiting or regurgitation
- Failure to thrive or weight loss
- Irritability or fussiness
- Skin rashes or eczema
- Iron-deficiency anaemia
These symptoms can also point to other health issues. So, getting a proper diagnosis for a gluten allergy in your baby can be tricky. If you think your baby might have a gluten allergy, talk to your baby’s doctor.
When to seek medical advice for suspected gluten allergy
If your baby shows any of these symptoms often or severely, get medical help fast. Your doctor will look at your baby’s health history and do a physical check and they might also suggest tests to confirm or rule out gluten allergy.
Getting a diagnosis early is crucial as it helps to avoid long-term health problems and ensures your baby grows well. By watching for gluten allergy symptoms in your baby and getting medical help when needed, you can help your baby thrive on a gluten-free diet.
Safe alternatives for a gluten allergy
Parents with babies who have gluten allergies need to find safe, nutritious foods. Luckily, there are many gluten-free options for weaning and beyond. These ensure your baby gets a balanced diet. Some naturally gluten-free grains and starches good for babies include…
- Rice
- Quinoa
- Millet
- Buckwheat
- Corn
- Tapioca
- Potatoes
You can mix these alternatives into your baby’s meals in different ways. For example, pureed veggies with rice cereal, quinoa porridge, or millet and veg mash. As your baby gets older, you can introduce more gluten-free foods.
- Gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or corn
- Gluten-free bread and crackers
- Fruits and vegetables
- Lean meats, fish, and eggs
- Dairy products (if not allergic)
- Legumes and lentils
When picking processed gluten-free products, always check the labels and make sure they are certified gluten-free and safe from cross-contamination. Talking to a paediatric dietitian can help you make a gluten-free weaning plan to ensure your baby gets all the nutrients they need for healthy growth.
Navigating food labels for your babies gluten allergy
Looking after a baby with a gluten allergy means you need to understand food labels. Knowing about gluten-free labelling and spotting hidden gluten is key. This way, you can keep your baby safe and healthy!
Understanding gluten-free labelling regulations
In the UK, foods labelled “gluten-free” must have less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. This rule makes it easier to find safe foods for gluten-intolerant babies. Also, “very low gluten” products must have less than 100 ppm of gluten.
Identifying hidden sources of gluten
Watch out for these ingredients…
- Malt extract
- Modified starch
- Vegetable protein
- Hydrolysed vegetable protein
- Natural flavourings
If you’re unsure, ask the manufacturer or choose whole foods. This way, you can avoid gluten.
Best practices for ensuring a gluten-free diet for your baby
Maintaining a gluten-free diet for your baby needs careful planning. Here are some tips to keep your little one’s meals safe and healthy…
Rounding off…
Managing your baby’s gluten allergy or coeliac disease can be tough but with the right knowledge and support, parents can help their baby thrive.
Getting help from healthcare professionals and connecting with other parents is also crucial as they can offer valuable insights and emotional support.
Every baby’s journey with a gluten allergy is different. It’s important to be patient, flexible, and positive when managing the condition. Staying informed, seeking support, and focusing on your baby’s well-being are key as this way, you can help your baby overcome the challenges of gluten allergy and ensure a healthy, happy future.
FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions to help guide you through introducing solids.
For babies with gluten allergy or sensitivity, try using gluten-free grains like rice and quinoa. Vegetables, fruits, meats, and fish are also safe. If your baby can have dairy, that’s okay too.
Always check labels for “gluten-free” to make sure they’re safe for your baby.
Gluten is found in wheat, barley, and rye but hidden gluten can be in things like modified food starch and soy sauce. Always read the ingredient list carefully. Look for “gluten-free” labels. If you’re unsure, ask the manufacturer or talk to your baby’s doctor
Always read labels carefully, keep babysitters, friends and family informed and when dining out, be sure to tell staff about your baby’s gluten allergy. Try to cook meals at home too so you know exactly what is going into your baby’s food.
