Gluten-free at daycare

November 9, 2:26 PMDallas Child Care ExaminerMichelle Barbee

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With a rise in demand for gluten-free foods, many  restaurants now have special  gluten-free menus or gluten-free items. Grocery stores carry many gluten-free convenience foods and baking mixes. Unfortunately for the many children on gluten-free diets attending daycare, parents may need to educate caregivers about their child's dietary needs . Here are some tips to help make daycare a safe and fun experience for gluten-sensitive kids.

Put everything in writing. The child’s allergy/ sensitivity/celiac diagnosis should be well documented in the daycare paperwork. Allergy labels on backpacks and lunch boxes are helpful reminders for caregivers or substitutes. Introductory brochures on gluten sensitivities can help prevent accidents and encourage providers to serve gluten-free meals.

Offer to provide your child's food. The safest bet is to pack a lunchbox rather than hope a caregiver is vigilant. You can also mark a copy of the daycare menu, highlighting which foods are naturally gluten-free and provide a list of favorite safe foods not on the menu. There may be a middle ground where you only provide your child's food on gluten days or the daycare can offer an alternative meal or snack on days the menu is not gluten-free. If you do provide your child's food, ask for a tuition discount as the price of food is usually included.

Join a support group. Get ideas and insight from other gluten-free families. Join a group if only to remember that you are not alone.

For more info:
Dallas R.O.C.K. (Raising Our Celiac Kids)
Lone Star Celiac GIG Support Group
North Texas Gluten Intolerance Group
Gluten-free choices abound with host of bloggers and recipe sites