18 month old with celiacs disease?

Question

My 18 month old has just been diagnosed with celiacs disease> I'm finding it hard to find foods he can eat as he is also lactose intolerant. Any one know where I can buy things??

Answer 1

If you are in the US, usually if you find out WHAT foods you want the grocer to carry and you spea with the Manager of the store, they will get the items you need and keep them in stock for you.

Answer 2

Thats v young to be diagnosed!  I was diagnosed when I was 3, and have been on a GF diet all my life.  Once you get used to it, it's quite easy.  The biggest problem is eating out and kids parties - I had to take a packed lunch!

If you're in the UK, you should get NHS prescriptions for certain basic food items such as bread, pasta, flour, even plain biscuits and pizza bases!  Supermarkets carry some food items as well as health shops though it can be quite pricey.  Try specialised bakeries.  I use Lifestyle Healthcare, they're fabulous and you can get most of the usual favourites.

You're doctor should refer you to a dietician who can help you work out a food plan, and Coeliac uk will provise you with an annual food list.

It DOES get easier!  I have my own little girl now, and havn't introduced gluten to her diet as yet, I'm delaying it as long as possible!

The best of luck, just experiment with different food, you'll get there!!

Answer 3

I think that Elizabeth Hassleback on the view has this also.  Id google her and see if she does things to support this.  Celebs typically do, that might lead you to a website with some tips.  Did your doc set you up with a nutritionist?

Answer 4

Specialty stores are your best bet, at least until you become more comfortable with the disease.  Email all the companies you normally use (for instance, Campbell's soups, Kraft, etc.) and ask them for their gluten free products list.  You'd be surprised how many products are okay.  

You are always safe with meats, fish, produce, nuts and beans, rice and potatoes so stick with those for now.  There are support groups too that might be a good idea while you get used to this big change.

Feel free to contact me if you would like to talk more.

Answer 5

My father in law has celiacs, they lived with us for 3 months, and it's actually VERY easy to control.  It takes alot of effort at first, retraining your way of cooking and thinking and you REALLY have to be proactive about reading labels.  You can visit companies websites (kraft, campbells, lipton etc.....) and there is generally some information on what products they have that are gluten free and if not, my mother in law found that the toll free numbers were helpful because you could get your information directly from a person.  Now being your child is so young AND lactose intolerant you will have a very hard road ahead of you.  The best and easiest thing for you to do is just start living your life as though you were a celiac.  All the foods you prepare from now on should be gluten free for the whole family, this way there is no cross contamination and you are not having to prepare separate meals.  If the non celiacs in the family wish to have some of their favorite items still, designate a cupboard, up high, for these items.  Lol my mother in law calls anything with gluten in it "contraband".  It's a lifestyle adjustment and takes hard work and dedication but once you have the hang of it, it's just like every day.  The internet has MANY resources, sites and support groups you can get all the information you need, you just need to do some research.  

Answer 6

Sure.  You want to go to speciality stores such as Whole Foods, which carry many types of wheat and dairy-free foods.  

The best thing you can do in the long run is to avoid pre-packaged foods as much as you can.

All the best.

Answer 7

Try the following websites

http://www.coeliac.co.uk

http://www.celiac.org/