in November 2021 Babies 🇬🇧

Toddler - testing GLUTEN FREE options

Hi, My LO is now 3.5 years and that past 2 years has always had issues with her bowels and constipation. She’s currently on daily Movicol sachets to help her try and go which always is on average every 3/4 days. My GP has referred me to a paediatric unit however the nearest appointment is Jan 2026! Until then I’m desperate to find the root cause. I’ve currently started using gluten free options (GF) like pasta, bread etc for myself as I’ve developed an intolerant randomly (I’m sure it’s since after giving birth). Any way I’m starting to give my toddler my GF food too to see if it makes a difference to her bowel movements. Has anyone else given their child GF substitutes and it’s worked for them????? Is it safe to give children GF alternatives?? I’m unsure if she’s intolerant to gluten yet but it could be the reason she’s constipated due to the binding of it. Any advice. (I’m trying myself to find the root cause as waiting till Jan 2026 for NHS help is too long).

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Sorry to hear your little one is suffering with constipation and divestige issues. I've had the same with my son for years now too. It's really frustrating as I am also trying to get to the bottom of the cause but having a hard time. My son has allergies and have had the opportunity to test if he is allergic to gluten and it turns out he isn't. We have taken him off lactose which has helped his reflux issues at least. But constipation is still ongoing. We have also been told to do daily Movicol but as in your case that doesn't seem to take care of the root cause. We have been seen by pediatricians but have been given pretty much the same advice - use Movicol, improve Fibre intake, drink lots of water. But this hasn't really made much of a difference. I am now actively trying to improve his gut health (microbiome). I came across an integrative pediatrician called Dr Elisa Song who talks a lot about the importance of gut health on overall wellbeing in kids...

Could be coeliac x

She wrote a book called "Healthy Kids, Happy Kids" which is really infomative and has really helped me come up with strategies to try and get to the bottom of my son's issues. I highly recommend it! She's done lots of podcast etc as well so I'm sure you can search for her name and will come across plenty of resources. I am giving my son probiotics, hoping to get him eating fermented foods, lots of good sources of Fibre, cutting out processed food and looking at specific mineral supplements (like zinc and magnesium). It is early days but really hoping it makes a difference! Hope this is a little helpful, do check out Dr Song or just do research on the gut microbiome as it may help your little ones situation. Here's hoping!

If you've noticed gluten is a problem for you since giving birth, might be worth checking your symptoms on the Coeliac UK website. If you have the gene it can be triggered by birth, and there is also 1-in 10 chance for a child or siblings to have it if confirmed. Worth ruling out at least.