What is gluten?
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. Celiac disease is triggered by gluten. Wheat is also among the foods that can cause food allergy. That is why many families wonder about the timing of gluten. Wheat allergy and celiac disease are two different conditions.
Timing does not change celiac risk
The European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) updated its advice in 2016. According to the society, gluten can be given at any time after a baby completes 4 months and before they complete 12 months. In high-risk families, babies who start earlier may develop celiac disease earlier. But the overall rate of celiac disease through childhood stays similar. The American Academy of Pediatrics also states there is no evidence that delaying gluten grains prevents celiac disease.
How to start in practice
You can introduce gluten foods along with other solids, around 6 months. Do not give gluten before 4 months. Start with small amounts in the first weeks and avoid large portions. Wheat infant cereal or well-cooked soft pasta are good options. Offer new foods one at a time and watch for any reaction.
Breastfeeding does not prevent celiac
In the past, families were told to give gluten while still breastfeeding. Newer evidence did not show that breastfeeding lowers the risk of celiac disease. Giving gluten during breastfeeding did not lower the risk either. Breastfeeding has many other benefits and should be supported. But you do not need to time gluten around breastfeeding.
If celiac runs in the family
Celiac disease develops only in people who carry certain risk genes. In babies, these genes are usually unknown. So the same advice applies to all babies. If celiac disease runs in your family, talk to your child's doctor before starting solids. Tell your doctor about signs such as tummy pain, diarrhea, irritability or poor weight gain.
If you see hives or wheezing right after a gluten food, it may be a sign of allergy. For serious signs, call for emergency help right away. Otherwise, talk to your child's doctor.