Babies and weaning

When there is already a coeliac in the family, the arrival of a new baby spurs many mothers to contact us to ask for advice about feeding the baby and weaning, especially the introduction of solids. 

It is estimated that if the condition already exists in a family, there is a one in ten chance of another member having or developing coeliac disease.

Feeding a new baby

Initially, normal infant feeding should be followed with the baby either being breast fed or bottle fed as all infant milk formulas are gluten-free.  Care should be taken about teething foods such as bread crusts or other gluten-containing items.  Substitute a stick of carrot or apple instead.

Weaning

It is recommended that gluten is not introduced into a baby's diet before 6 months of age - regardless of whether the baby has a relative with coeliac disease or not.  Following on, we recommend that provided the baby is fit and well, the parents and local medical services are aware of the incidence of coeliac disease in the family and the symptoms of it in infants, then the usual baby foods should be introduced when the baby is six months old. 

For a few weeks, this probably means that not very much gluten will be ingested, since most first-stage baby foods are naturally gluten-free.  However, by the time the baby is eight to nine months old, normal feeding, including breakfast cereals, the use of second stage baby foods, ordinary pasta and puddings, and ordinary bread as little sandwiches at teatime, will mean that the baby is having a normal gluten intake. 

Keep up the gluten intake so symptoms show clearly

It is particularly important that gluten intake is now regular and adequate, because if the baby is going to be a coeliac, then symptoms will occur and will become obvious, diagnosis can be easily made and treatment started immediately.  However, if fed gluten spasmodically and in small quantities, then a baby with coeliac disease will be affected but symptoms may not be at all obvious and may even be masked.  A small-intestinal biopsy taken at this time may not be conclusive, making diagnosis much more difficult and during this period sub-optimal nutrition will be occurring.  Hence it is important that instead of holding back on gluten-containing foods, they are given in normal and adequate amounts, after the baby is six months old.  Then, in the unlikely event of the new baby being a coeliac, diagnosis will be quicker and easier.