Newly diagnosed 2 year old

Stephanie · Guest

Hello- I live in Iowa and have a 2 year old boy with positive anitbody tests for gluten/celiac. We are awaiting a GI consult for the biopsy. I am researching information now. Is there a good place to begin with information related to the needs of toddlers? I need advise on toddler friendly GF/WF foods and the effects of one sibling having it and the other 2 not having it. It would be nice to hear from parents on where to begin and transition to the new lifestyle changes.
Thanks!

aklap · Joined: 02 Oct 2004 Posts: 8785 Location: WI, USA

Hi Stephanie (wow - we have 2 Stephanie's now LOL!!)

Welcome!

I don't have kids...so I don't know what a 2 year old specifically eats Very Happy

. But here are some lists for you to check food with:

Delphi (another discussion board) GF lists - another discussion board like this. They have great GF food lists...but I prefer to keep other company.

Mainstream Food GF Food List - mainstream food that you should be able to find anywhere.

Celiac.com safe & forbidden Ingredient Lists - Print these lists out and take them to the store with you. Check EVERY item and EVERY ingredient against these lists. Yes it will take longer to shop, but after awhile you know the lists. I practically slept with these things. VERY HELPFUL!!

Many people in your situation will make the entire house 100% GF. It just makes things easier all the way around. Won't have to worry about cross contamination issues (once the house is cleaned and rid of gluten), plus it won't hurt the other kids - they are at risk too.

I'm sure others will be along with help Smile

Hope you stick around and learn as much as you can. Knowledge is the key to health with this!

Good luck on your GF Journey!!
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Al

“We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” Mother Teresa

backwoodsmama · Joined: 28 Jan 2005 Posts: 6 Location: Vermont

Hi - I have a 4 yr old and 18 mo old who are both gluten-free and lactose-free and vegetarian (and the 18 mo old is soy free also). They both reacted so strongly to gluten as infants that I have never fed them anything but GF foods, so I have not done any of the medical tests and didn't have to deal with switching their diets. But they are typical kids and though there is a lot they COULD eat, much of it they WON'T eat. Here are some of our favorites that are from the regular supermarket:

rice cakes - with peanut butter and jelly or just plain
Asian rice crackers
tortilla chips and corn tortillas
popcorn
fruit leather (sheets, not the little shapes, which sometimes give my kids stomachaches)
fruits & veggies
cheese & yogurt

And from a health food store or gluten-free mail order:

EnviroKids crispy rice bars
rice pasta
pancakes or waffles made from GF mix
GF bread made from mix
GF muffins made from mix
Chebe bread cheese balls

Since they're small and don't eat a whole lot (yet) I made baked goods and freeze what's left over. I ALWAYS carry some snacks in my diaper bag. When visiting family or going out to eat I assume that I will bring their food, and try to carry stuff that doesn't need any cooking. My husband and I are not GF (this stuff is expensive!) but we try to eat similar foods on nights. We do not keep separate cookware but do try to keep counters, cutting boards and utensils very clean at all times. It's easier since both my kids have the same diet, but I don't sheild them from the fact that I can eat things they can't - that is their reality. Good luck! I don't check this site too often, but let us know how it goes for you!
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Jen - mom to Fruit Bat, 4, and Danger Monkey, 1 1/2