Wheat, along with dairy products, is one of the most confusing of the foods that we introduce to our babies. Since wheat is an allergen, we are often of the belief that it should be avoided in our baby's diet until after 12 months old - as other allergenic foods often are. This belief however, is not based on most current pediatric recommendations.
What age can I introduce Wheat to my Baby?
A few sources do say to not introduce wheat until after 1, 2 or even 3 years old. The majority of sources however indicate and agree that wheat may be introduced around the age of 8-9 months old. It is best to wait to introduce wheat until you are certain that your infant has no reactions to rice, oats or barley.
When your baby turns 8-9 months old, you may begin to introduce wheat products such as wheat germ, wheat toast, mixed grain cereal with wheat (aka farina) or whole grain breads which include wheat. PLEASE be sure to consult with your pediatrician if you are in doubt and unsure about wheat for your baby! This is very important as your infant may have a special situation and the general recommendations may not apply!
Please keep in mind that this recommendation is based on the fact that an infant has not shown any food sensitivities. It is also based on the assumption that neither parent has any wheat allergies/celiac disease or a family history of same!
Wheat and Gluten "Allergies" are not the same!
Gluten in wheat is the most the common culprit when people have wheat "allergy" reactions. A gluten intolerance is NOT an allergy nor is it the same as a wheat allergy! Gluten is found in Rye, Oat, and Barley amongst other grains. Since gluten is a component of these grains, this is why you should be ok to introduce wheat to your baby if your infant has not had any reactions to the other gluten grains.
Celiac Disease or Gluten intolerance as it is also called, is entirely different from a wheat allergy. Those with a true wheat allergy may grow out of it.
What is the difference between a Gluten Intolerance (Celiac Disease) and a wheat allergy?
- Celiac disease and wheat allergy are two distinct conditions.
- Celiac disease, or celiac sprue, is a permanent adverse reaction to gluten.
- Those with celiac disease will not lose their sensitivity to this substance. This disease requires a lifelong restriction of gluten. Food Allergy.org
Here are a few things to look for to determine if your baby may be having a reaction to wheat.
If you find your baby has a true wheat allergy or gluten intolerance, you will find it is very hard to avoid wheat as wheat comes in many, often hidden, forms. Read more about Egg Allergies, Soy Allergies and Dairy Allergies
Looking for the word GLUTEN on any product will help you discover where wheat is in the products you eat.
The vast majority of baked good recipes call for a wheat flour or a wheat pastry flour. You may use an alternative flour. Whole wheat flour makes baked goods more dense and helps some baked goods like breads rise. You will find the texture of baked good different if you are used to baking with all-purpose white flour or whole wheat flours! Visit our Wheat and Egg Substitutions for alternatives to wheat in baked baby foods and other homemade baby foods.
 Foods That May Contain Wheat |
Avoid foods that contain any of the following: Please note that this list is a compilation of the most common but not ALL the possible wheat/gluten foods and ingredients!
- bread crumbs
- bran
- cereal extract
- acker meal
- enriched flour
- farina
- semolina durham (pasta)
- gluten
- high gluten flour
- high protein flour
- vital gluten
- wheat bran
- wheat gluten
- wheat starch
- whole wheat flour
- oats
- barley
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Resources & Learning More:
How to Prevent Wheat Intolerance in Your Baby
Foods to Avoid
Allergy Prevention in Children - Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy
Wheat Allergy & Avoidance - Stanford Children's Hospital
Food Allergy.org - Wheat
InteliHealth - Wheat Allergy - Harvard Medical School Review
