Getting any toddler to eat regularly can be challenging, but adding dietary restrictions can make it even harder. A toddler who must eat gluten-free cannot enjoy many typical kids' foods, such as snack crackers and cookies. Help your child to not feel deprived by offering foods that are naturally gluten free but still appeal to their tastes.
Indications
Gluten is a protein found in wheat barley and rye. Toddlers with celiac disease must follow a gluten-free diet to prevent their condition from causing nutritional deficiencies and digestive distress. Some doctors prescribe a gluten-free diet to children with behavioral problems or conditions such as autism.
Foods to Avoid
Your toddler cannot eat any food with wheat, barley or rye if prescribed a gluten-free diet. Along with bread and rolls, traditional pasta, baked goods, crackers, cereal bars, many cereals and pizza are strictly forbidden. Learn to read food labels carefully as some foods which do not appear to contain gluten may actually have barley malt syrup, food starch or soy sauce, which may be derived from gluten-containing ingredients.
Foods to Include
Your toddler can still enjoy fruits and vegetables along with yogurt, milk and cheese. Chicken, meat, fish as well as beans are gluten-free sources of protein. Pasta, cookies and bread made from gluten-free grains such as brown rice or amaranth are also acceptable. Pudding and ice cream, without cookie additions or cones, are suitable desserts for gluten-free toddlers.
Meal Ideas
A gluten-free breakfast appropriate for a toddler might include scrambled eggs and chunks of melon or banana. Rice cereal with sliced strawberries and milk is another breakfast option. For lunches and dinners, make your toddler well-cooked rice pasta with peas and tomato sauce or grated cheese. Other options include ground beef with rice, sweet potatoes, and chunks of chicken breast and vegetable soup made with quinoa.
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