How to Feed a Gluten Free Toddler

Trying to get a toddler to eat at mealtime can be an extremely difficult task and a true test of parental patience. Unfortunately, feeding a toddler gluten-free foods can seem even more impossible. Regardless of the health reasons for which a toddler must eat gluten-free, there are many tips and tricks that can get them chowing down in no time.

Things You'll Need

• Alternative recipes to toddler's favorites.
• Blender to add nutritional ingredients.
• GF snack foods like raisins, figs or rice crackers.
• GF frozen meals when in a hurry.

Instructions

Instructions

1. Toddlers are notoriously picky eaters and can go through many “phases” of loving or despising certain food groups. The first step to converting a toddler to eating gluten-free (GF) is by choosing one of their favorites (for the moment) and converting the recipe into GF ingredients. For example, if your toddler is all about eating mini bagel pizzas for lunchtime, than try cooking a gluten-free bagel with fresh tomato sauce and sliced unprocessed cheese to create the same flavors.

2. Aside from converting favorite recipes, many toddlers simply dislike fruits, vegetables or anything that is generally good for them. Try tricking their palette by creating foods that taste sugary and decadent, but are actually full of healthful ingredients. For example, cook a gluten-free waffle and top with 1 tablespoon of organic almond butter, finely chopped apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Simply adding as many healthful ingredients as possible to recipes or foods can provide a “buffer” of vitamins for picky toddlers. Try blending blueberries and raspberries into pancake batter or adding pureed mashed potatoes and green beans to their eggs.

3. The majority of parents with energetic toddlers rely on snack foods to get them through an important meeting or errand with ease. Try choosing snacks that are naturally gluten-free but still fun for a toddler to eat, such as organic fruit roll-ups or fruit leathers, or gluten-free cereal in a cup. Mixed nuts, mini rice cakes or dried fruit are other wonderful snack foods that can fit into any diaper bag or purse in a hurry.

4. If you would prefer not to cater to your toddlers tastes and would rather “convert” them to healthy eating, than patience is the most important factor. Try designating a week on the calendar to introduce a healthy new food (such as a vegetable or fruit) and serve it once per day on its own (using a fun fork, bowl or adding a tasty garnish.) Try to simply leave your toddler alone without an audience to adjust to the new food and with a week or more of consistency…they just might try the item.

5. Have fun with gluten-free cooking and serving and your toddler will too. Try creating fun recipes that any toddler would love like gluten-free grilled cheese sandwiches, soup or “franks and beans” using GF sausage. If you are in a hurry, simply purchase a gluten-free frozen meal, pour into a separate dish and add fun ingredients. Frozen macaroni and cheese can be made more healthful with pureed avocado and tofu sour cream mixed throughout, while a frozen Mexican bowl creates a fun dipping sauce for corn chips.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your eye out for brands in grocery stores that carry gluten-free cookies, bars and snacks specifically made for children.