Those with dc's with allergies or are on a special diet

Just wondering how to do you handle birthday parties?

We are starting to try a gluten free diet for my dd b/c she has Crohn's and we think she is in a flare. So we are going to try changing her diet and see if that has any affect on this horrible disease. My only concern is birthday parties. We are invited to 4 in the next few weeks and I don't know how to handle the food. She cannot eat regular pizza or birthday cake, especially if it's ice cream since we are also removing dairy.
I was thinking about going to a place in Bellmore that has all gluten free stuff and buying pizza and cupcakes from there and bringing it with me to the party. Do you think that is appropriate? Have you had to do this yet and how did you handle it with the other mom's. also, how did your dc's react to the situation. My dd is only 4 and I already explained that she cannot eat certain things anymore. She cried for a little especially when she found out no more McDonalds. but she got over it pretty quickly.

any suggestions would really help.

Re: Those with dc's with allergies or are on a special diet

When I RSVP to the party, I let the parent know that my DD has allergies. I ask what will be served and if its something she can't have, we either bring our own food, or she doesn't eat whatever she can't have. Most of the parents know about the allergies so it isn't a surprise.
When we have a party for her friends, I always do two cakes or seperate cupcakes.
Food wise, I always make sure that there is something for everyone to enjoy. My DD understands this and wants her friends to have fun, so its not upsetting if she can't have it.

It will work out and it gets to be much easier as you do it.

Re: Those with dc's with allergies or are on a special diet

DS is on a dairy and oat elimination diet. I always bring my own stuff for him to parties, and I send in a big box of Oreos from BJs for school celebrations. The teacher keeps them in the closet in her room and when it's someones birthday or a holiday party they give him one of the packs of cookies so he's not left out.

I really like Bare Naked Bakery in Bellmore, although we find the frosting on the cupcakes to be very sweet and my kids won't eat them. If your dd hasn't tried one from there yet you might want to get one ahead of time for her to try. I usually make my own cupcakes and freeze them individually and take them out and frost them as he needs them.

ETA: He's been on an elimination diet since before he was on table food, so it's never been an issue, he's very used to not being able to eat what other kids can and doesn't get upset about it. When we bring his popcorn to the movies or a ballgame he'll tell everyone that they can't eat his "special Andy popcorn" which makes me laugh.

Message edited 3/10/2011 9:32:38 AM.

Re: Those with dc's with allergies or are on a special diet

My DD is almost 4 and I still bring my own food for her. She is used to it and it doesn't bother her.