Many parents follow special diets—including gluten- and dairy-free diets—based on personal beliefs and may want their children to participate in their lifestyle. You may also discover that your child has sensitivities or intolerances that mean gluten and dairy need to be kept off the table, as well as anywhere else they eat. But what are these free-from diets, and how can you safely follow them while feeding your child?

Going gluten-free with your toddler.

Going gluten-free means cutting out anything that contains gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Rice, quinoa, and corn can make delicious alternatives to the offending substance. Many children don’t have a medical reason they’re put on this sort of diet, though if they have a gluten-specific allergy or celiac disease, that may be the case. If you are considering removing gluten from your child’s diet, it’s worth remembering that many gluten-free options contain less fibre and fewer vitamins and minerals than standard bread, muffins, crackers, etc. You may need to plan a bit more carefully to ensure that your child is getting the nourishment they need, as well as take steps to avoid digestive problems like constipation, which is common in toddlers and sometimes stems from a lack of fibre.

A dairy-free diet for your little one.

Dairy is an important source of calcium that your toddler needs, regardless of which diet you put them on. Some children may have a true allergy or intolerance to dairy. Plant milks and cheeses are popular alternatives. As we’ve covered elsewhere on this Unii Journey, it is essential that toddlers get enough calcium to support their developing bones and teeth. If you need to make their diet dairy-free, make sure to compensate with leafy greens, calcium-fortified foods, and supplements if advised by a doctor.

Taking care of your toddler’s diet without gluten or dairy.

It is wise to speak to a professional before putting your child on any special diet, even one you follow yourself. The under-threes are going through a rapid period of growth and development with specific nutritional requirements, and it can be difficult to ensure these are being met without help, especially if you plan to introduce new restrictions. If you need to put them on a dairy or gluten-free diet for medical reasons, be mindful of the hidden sources of these ingredients when purchasing processed foods. Always go through food labels with a fine-toothed comb when preparing meals for toddlers.

What do I need to know about dairy-free and gluten-free toddler diets?

For Unii’s Toddler Nutrition Journey, we explore gluten- and dairy-free diets.