A gluten allergy wristband can help children who suffer from coeliac disease avoid gluten. With this serious food allergy, it is so important that people are made aware that your child requires a special diet in order to avoid the pain and suffering that comes from consuming the wrong foods.

Many pre-schgluten allergy wristband, coeliacools recommend children wear a gluten allergy wristband or gluten allergy bracelet stating that they have severe reactions to wheat, oats, barley and rye, as often the children in their care are unable to speak for themselves in regards to their condition. A properly labeled medical id band helps to prove that you are not just been an overprotective parent and that your child has a genuine medical condition which requires a specialised diet.

Gluten Free Diet

When your child is on a gluten-free diet it is essential they have plenty of whole foods that are dense in nutrients. It is worth being aware that a lot of foods that are gluten-free contain lower amounts of iron, fibre, and B vitamins, which are essential for growth and the wellbeing of your child.

Alternatives to gluten containing grains include:

  • corn
  • soy
  • quinoa
  • potato
  • buckwheat

It is important to be aware that sometimes gluten can be hidden in foods like processed meats, marinades, dry-roasted nuts, and condiments.

You can protect your child from gluten contamination by reading the labels on food items carefully to ensure they're safe to eat with a gluten-free diet. Products marked with the "Coeliac Australia" endorsement logo are guaranteed to be safe for your child.

Dining Out

It can be hard to be taken seriously when eating out. A lot of waiting staff mistakenly believe you are being an overprotective parent who has placed their child on a faddy diet. A gluten allergy wristband can help you to prove your child's dietary requirements are for medical reasons.

When you are choosing where to eat out on your next family meal, you might find it helpful to call the restaurant in advance to ask which items on their menu are gluten-free. Some restaurants have a special gluten-free menu so don't be afraid to ask.

Coeliac Australia has a list of restaurants that are safe for people with gluten allergies which can speed up your research. A lot of restaurants include their menu on their website. This can help you to research a suitable restaurant, although it is worth checking that the menu is up to date.

When you arrive at the restaurant, explain to the waiting staff that your child has coeliac disease and is unable to eat any foods containing gluten. Make sure staff understand that even a small amount of gluten can cause your child to become very ill.

Just because your child has coeliac disease doesn't mean they have to stick to the same foods to keep them safe. We have a lot of fresh food to choose from here in Australia as well as some fantastic restaurants from across the globe. Some cultures which have a wide range of gluten-free options on their menus include:

  • Mexican
  • Thai
  • Indian
  • Vietnamese

You will still need to check the way the food is prepared in individual restaurants to ensure the food is gluten-free.

Travel

When travelling with your child, you may find it preferable to pack your own gluten-free snacks to guarantee your child has something safe to eat if they're hungry on the journey. Fruit and chopped vegetables are a great choice for this as they will also help to keep them hydrated.

Parties

It can be hard to keep your gluten-free child on a safe diet without them feeling left out at Christmas and birthday parties. Before letting your child go to a party, bake them some gluten-free cupcakes and cookies using safe ingredients like almond flour so they can enjoy similar food to their friends.