Are you supporting a child with coeliac disease?
When your child is diagnosed with coeliac disease it can be a relief to have an answer to their symptoms. It can also be a steep learning curve for you and your family as you learn about gluten free living and sharing guidance with their school, care provider, clubs, or youth groups.
Coeliac UK can help. We have a range of resources to help you to manage their diet, as well advice on eating during their school years, at parties and when growing up.
Supporting a young child with coeliac disease
Discover resources to support you as your child develops. From feeding a newborn, weaning, and how to introduce solid food and gluten.
Nursery, playgroup, or school
Starting or changing nursery, playgroup or childcare routine is a big step for you and your child. Make sure you provide the adults, childminders or teachers who are looking after them with as much information as possible.
Member2Member programme
Our Member2Member programme provides support to parents and carers of children who’ve recently been diagnosed with coeliac disease. It puts longer standing parent and carer members in touch with parents and carers of newly diagnosed children who may be in need of support. Parents are matched with other parents who have children of a similar age. It is a great service to ask questions from someone who has been in your shoes and knows what you’re going through.
Coeliac UK has a range of resources designed specifically for children and young people at every stage of their gluten free journey. Find out more below.
The Belly Bunch
For children aged up to 5 years old, this booklet explains how a gluten free diet will give your child a ‘happy tummy’, using easy to understand and engaging illustrated characters.
The Young Champions Club
For children aged between 5-11-years-old, this pack contains more detailed information on coeliac disease and includes ideas for activies to help a young person share more about their life.
Teen Virtual Club
For young people aged between 12-15-years-old, the Teen Virtual Club is a series of online meet-ups hosted by a team of young volunteers. It is a safe space for young people to share experiences with other young people living with coeliac disease.
Coeliac UK Connect
For young people aged 16-19-years-old, this Coeliac UK Connect is a private instagram channel hosted by Ameila and Marie-Claire, two of our young volunteers who want to share tips and advice in a safe online space.
The Moving On pack
For young people over 18, this resource is designed to support those who are moving out of the family home, going travelling, heading to university, or starting a new job. Full of tips and advice to help guide the next phase of an adults gluten free journey.
Gluten Free Checklist
Our gluten free factsheet is designed to be your quick reference guide to make safer food choices. It contains details of different food types that are gluten free, that you need to check, and which are not suitable for the gluten free diet.