The Celiac Starter Kit

1. Your first-step checklist

Use this page to keep track of conversations and practical tasks. Your personal medical plan should come from your healthcare professionals.

Book or note follow-up appointments with my healthcare teamAsk whether I should meet with a registered dietitian experienced in celiac diseaseWrite down questions about my personal care planLearn where to find current, reliable celiac informationMake a place to store important medical and dietary informationTalk with the people who help prepare or serve my foodReview routines at home, school, work or when travelling

Questions I want to ask

2. Parents and families: supporting a child

A planning page for families adjusting to a child's diagnosis. Work with your child's healthcare team and a celiac-experienced dietitian on individual needs.

Write down questions about my child's care and follow-up plan Decide which family members and caregivers need information Plan how meals and food routines will work at home Prepare a simple explanation of celiac disease for relatives and caregivers Plan ahead for family gatherings, celebrations and visits Make space for my child's feelings, questions and changing needs

Helping siblings understand

Use simple, age-appropriate language. Explain that celiac disease is not contagious, that the child has not done anything wrong, and that adults are responsible for checking food and keeping the agreed plan.

Give siblings time to ask questions and talk about their feelings Explain that everyone can help the child feel included Avoid making siblings responsible for food-safety decisions

When others do not understand

You do not need to debate or justify your child's needs every time. Keep the explanation calm and practical, share reliable information when useful, and set clear boundaries: adults must check with the parent or caregiver before offering food.

Birthdays and family celebrations

Speak with the host ahead of time about the plan Arrange an option checked by the parent or caregiver Plan a non-food activity or inclusive way to take part Make sure the child is included without being singled out

A note for grandparents, babysitters and other caregivers

You can print or share this page. Complete the blanks with the child's parent or legal caregiver before using it. Follow the family's current written plan.

Please read before offering food

This child has celiac disease. They need to avoid gluten, and food preparation and shared equipment may require special precautions to prevent cross-contact. Never assume a food is suitable based on its name or appearance. Do not give the child food, drinks, treats, vitamins or medication unless the parent or caregiver has confirmed it is appropriate. Check the current package and follow the family's instructions. If you are unsure, do not guess—contact the parent or caregiver.

Child's name

Parent / caregiver and phone

Approved food / snack plan (provided by parent)

Other instructions / emergency contacts

This handout is a communication aid, not a complete care plan. The parent or legal caregiver must provide current, child-specific instructions and discuss them with each caregiver.

Our family plan and questions

3. A child-friendly page: understanding my needs

This page is for a child to complete with a trusted adult. Children should never have to manage food-safety decisions alone.

People who help me

At home

At school or activities

Things I can say

I have celiac disease, so I need food prepared with care. Can you please check with my parent or caregiver? I'm not sure. Let's ask a trusted adult.

What helps me feel included?

Questions I want to ask

4. School and daycare planning

Arrange a conversation with the school or childcare team. Share the child's individual plan and agree on clear adult responsibilities.

Arrange a meeting with the teacher, daycare staff or school administrator Provide written information about the child's needs and emergency contacts Agree on how lunches, snacks and food storage will be managed Discuss classroom activities, cooking, crafts and food-based projects Plan for birthdays, celebrations, field trips and special events Identify which staff members are responsible and how updates will be shared Review the plan when the child's needs, class or staff change

School / daycare contacts and agreed plan

5. Kitchen and home organization

Use this as a discussion and planning checklist. Ask your dietitian or a trusted celiac organization for guidance that fits your household.

Identify areas where gluten-containing foods are stored or preparedDiscuss shared equipment, utensils and surfaces with my householdAsk which items or routines need separate storage or preparationPlan how crumbs and spills will be managedReview lunch bags, food containers and shared household appliancesCreate a place for current product information and household notes

Household notes / questions for my dietitian

6. Grocery and product information tracker

This is a record-keeping page, not a food-safety checker. Check the current package and reliable official guidance each time; products and manufacturing information can change.

Product name

Brand / manufacturer

Date checked

Country / market

Information to verify and record

Read the full ingredient list on the current packageCheck applicable gluten-free claims and local labelling guidanceLook for relevant allergen or precautionary statementsContact the manufacturer if information is unclearRecord the source and date of the informationRe-check if the packaging, product or ingredients change

Canadian reference: Celiac Canada — Food Labelling. This resource does not replace current package information or individualized professional advice.

7. Weekly meal-planning page

Plan using foods and products you have independently checked and that fit the advice you have received.

Week of

Notes / priorities

Day	Meal ideas	Preparation / notes
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Grocery list

8. Eating away from home: question planner

Use these prompts to explain your needs and ask the food provider about its current ingredients and preparation practices. Answers are not a guarantee; make your own decision with guidance from your healthcare team.

Have I clearly explained that I have celiac disease and need to avoid gluten?Can staff explain the ingredients in this specific dish?How is the food prepared, cooked and served?Are shared surfaces, utensils, fryers or equipment involved?Can the staff member confirm the information, or should I speak with a manager?If they are unsure, am I comfortable choosing another option?

My own communication notes

Learn more: Celiac Canada — Cross-contamination.

9. Travel and days away from home

Discuss travel plans and any personal needs with my healthcare teamResearch food options and contact providers before travellingPack food or supplies according to my own planBring current medical information and emergency contactsPlan how I will explain my needs in the local languageKeep a backup plan in case arrangements change

The Celiac Starter Kit

1. Your first-step checklist

Questions I want to ask

2. Parents and families: supporting a child

Helping siblings understand

When others do not understand

Birthdays and family celebrations

A note for grandparents, babysitters and other caregivers

Our family plan and questions

3. A child-friendly page: understanding my needs

People who help me

Things I can say

What helps me feel included?

Questions I want to ask

4. School and daycare planning

School / daycare contacts and agreed plan

5. Kitchen and home organization

Household notes / questions for my dietitian

6. Grocery and product information tracker

Information to verify and record

7. Weekly meal-planning page

Grocery list

8. Eating away from home: question planner

My own communication notes

9. Travel and days away from home

Trip details / important contacts

10. My questions and notes

Questions to bring to my healthcare team

Useful information I want to remember