As knowledge and awareness of conditions such as celiac disease has increased, so too has the prevalence of gluten-free diets. Many foods naturally contain gluten -- a protein found in the grains wheat, rye and barley. However, you can easily eat a gluten-free diet, even for your infant, because many foods naturally contain no gluten and some are made specially to exclude it.
Calorie Needs
An infant's calorie needs increase greatly through the first year of life, and a baby's hunger can vary significantly depending on many factors. For example, during a growth spurt, infants often require more feedings than usual. Average calories needs start out at 438 per day for female 1-month-olds and 472 for males to 768 calories per day for 1-year-old girls and 844 calories per day for 1-year-old boys, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reports.
Milk
During your baby's first year, milk -- whether its breast milk or formula -- serves as the main component of her diet. If you use infant formula, you won't have to alter your bottle feedings at all as formula it contains no gluten. If you breastfeed, however, keep in mind that the foods you eat -- including those containing gluten -- can make their way into your breast milk. Therefore, if your baby needs a gluten-free diet you'll have to avoid gluten-containing products for as long as your breastfeed.
Starting Solids
Babies generally start on solid foods between the ages of 4 and 6 months, and doctors usually recommend an infant cereal, KidsHealth reports. Many infant cereals are naturally gluten-free, such as rice cereal or oatmeal. However, always read the product label to make sure the one you choose contains no gluten. Be aware that some grains can be contaminated with wheat and other gluten-containing ingredients during the manufacturing process, check that the label states the product is made in a gluten-free facility.
Fruits and Vegetables
When you introduce your baby to traditional baby foods, such as jarred fruits and vegetables, get into the habit of reading the labels to ensure you buy only gluten-free foods. While many baby foods consist basically of strained fruits or vegetables, some of the advanced stages of baby foods add ingredients such as meats, pastas, rices and cheeses to add different flavors and textures. These products may contain gluten. Screen them out during your shopping. In addition, you can make your own baby food by pureeing ingredients, ensuring that you avoid any potential gluten contamination.
Finger Foods
As your baby gets older and develops better hand-eye coordination, he may start to feed himself small food items. Many of the foods commonly used as finger foods -- such as cereals and small crackers -- contain gluten. You can find many cereals that naturally contain no gluten or specially-made gluten free cereals and snack foods to meet your baby's needs, however. But to ensure they are gluten-free, you either need to read the label or make them at home.
References
- American Academy of Pediatrics; Childhood Nutrition; Tamekia Reece; May 13, 2011
- University of Michigan Health System; Feeding Your Baby and Toddler; Kyla Boyse; September 2010
- KidsHealth.org: Feeding Your 1- to 3-Month-Old
- KidsHealth.org: Feeding Your 4- to 7-Month-Old
- KidsHealth.org: Feeding Your 8- to 12-Month-Old
- U.S. Department of Agriculture; Chapter 1: Nutritional Needs of Infants
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