Food Ideas for Toddlers With a Grain Allergy

Preparing meals for a toddler with a grain allergy requires a little creativity and a lot of vigilance, as grains are often hidden ingredients in many prepared foods. By adapting recipes to accommodate grain substitutes and serving unprocessed, fresh, nutrient-rich foods, you will soon become familiar with meal planning, grocery shopping and cooking in a way that suits your little one and keeps him out of harm's way.

  1. Breakfast

    • Putting together a grain-free breakfast for your toddler can be challenging, as typical breakfast foods -- waffles, pancakes, cereal and toast -- contain allergy-inducing grains. Preparing pancake or waffle batter with coconut or almond flour is an option, or purchasing pre-packaged cereals or toaster waffles at the grocery store that are made with such flours is another option that demands less of your time. Scrambled eggs, bacon and fresh berries make a healthy and toddler-pleasing breakfast combination loaded with protein and vitamins.

    Lunch

    • According to experts at the Mayo Clinic website, children who don't eat grains are at risk of not getting enough nutrients in their diet. For lunch, include high-iron foods, such as black or kidney beans, in a toddler-friendly, noodle-free soup. Since Vitamin C enhances iron absorption, serve with slices of fun-to-eat watermelon or cantaloupe or spread a thin layer of peanut or almond butter onto apple slices. Wrap shredded cheese in deli slices of ham or turkey for a bread-free, high protein sandwich.

    Dinner

    • Iron-containing pork and read meat are excellent dinner options for your little one. Serve pulled pork or bun-less hamburger patties to your toddler as a main dish. Sauteed, shredded summer squash topped with cheese makes for a tasty and healthy pancake-like side. Make nutritious, grain-free French fries by roasting slices of sweet potatoes in olive oil -- a surefire hit with your toddler. Broccoli and peas are also iron-containing, fun foods for little fingers.

    Snacks

    • Fresh fruits and vegetables are grain-free and a healthier alternative to cookies and crackers. Slices of red peppers and apples dipped in hummus make for a vitamin-rich treat for your growing toddler. Cottage cheese or yogurt with fresh raspberries or smashed, ripe peaches stirred in create a filling and energy-boosting snack. Citrus juices -- such as orange juice and grapefruit juice -- and calcium-containing milk are excellent choices to serve alongside a grain-free snack or meal.

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