According to recent studies, food allergies in children are on the rise. Here we speak to children's dietitian Lucy Upton about how to navigate the weaning process with babies, how to spot the physical symptoms and what to look out for on food labels
Living with a food allergy can feel quite isolating and unfair, especially for young children. When they are the only ones at the birthday party who can’t eat the cake, they’re bound to be frustrated.
It’s not easy for parents either. There is a mental load that comes with planning every meal so that it’s safe to eat and hits all their daily nutrition goals. Then, there’s making sure teachers, friends, and family know the do’s and don’ts around what they can eat.
Spinneys stocks a wide range of ‘free from’ products which are very close in appearance and taste to their counterparts. Plant-based dairy alternatives for milk, cheese and yoghurt are readily available, as well as plenty of gluten- and wheat-free products, many of which are targeted and designed with children in mind.
Lucy Upton @thechildrensdietitian.
