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FIRST STEPS
6 Months

Starting Nursery

Overview

Children with PKU can attend nursery like any other child. It may be helpful to ask your child’s dietitian to speak to the nursery or visit before they start to discuss the basic principles of PKU with the staff.

 

‘The Introduction to Phenylketonuria’ booklet found in the ‘Welcome' section of this site and the 'Information for Caregivers' leaflet within this First Steps section can both be downloaded and printed so they can be given to anyone who will be looking after your little one.

The Introduction to Phenylketonuria booklet we provided is a good way for nursery staff to gain a better understanding of PKU. If you would like another copy please email us at vitafriends@vitaflo.co.uk and we will pop one in the post. You can download an 'Information for Caregivers' leaflet within this First Steps section which you can give to anyone who will be looking after your little one.

Some nursery staff may find it easier to manage your child’s specific dietary needs by using a different colour plate or bowl so it’s clear to others they have specific dietary requirements and helps to prevent mix-ups. It is likely there will be other children with specific dietary needs, perhaps a milk or nut allergy for example and most nurseries will be familiar with accommodating situations like these. 

It’s advisable to provide the nursery with your child’s preferred milk alternative and any specially made low protein foods they like such as low protein bread, pasta or rice. Alternatively, if you’d prefer and your nursery agrees, you could provide a packed lunch for your child. 

You can download an 'About Me' leaflet by clicking here and could complete this before meeting the nursery staff or whoever will be looking after your child. It may help you remember some important details about your little one that you need to share with them.

What if my child is still drinking formula when they go to nursery?

This can often be the case and it may be helpful to provide different coloured bottles so they know which is the special formula (phe-free formula) and which is the standard infant formula.

 

This will help make it clear which formula, if any, isn’t finished and how much. You should advise anyone else feeding your child to inform you immediately if they do not finish their special formula. 

Taking a second stage protein substitute at nursery

If nursery staff will be giving your child their second stage protein substitute, make sure they have clear instructions on how to prepare it and know the importance of treating it like a medicine.

Nurseries usually complete written logs of your child’s day to include information on what they have eaten, naps, nappies and so on. It is equally important to ask them to notify you straight away if they have not taken all their protein substitute too. This way, issues can be identified before they become a problem.

It’s a good idea to make sure the nursery has plenty of beakers and an adequate supply of your child’s protein substitute(s). 

What happens if there are celebrations involving food?

Whilst children with PKU often cannot eat the cakes or biscuits the other children will be, there are many low protein alternatives available and you should provide a supply of these to the nursery for such events.

 

Good communication is key – make sure you keep in touch with the nursery to find out how your child is getting on. This will also provide them with the opportunity to ask you any questions.

BACK TO FIRST STEPS STAGE
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OTHER RESOURCES IN THIS SECTION:

INFORMATION FOR CAREGIVERS TEETHING Stage 2 weaning recipes ABOUT ME

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 STAGE 3 WEANING RECIPES STAGE 4 WEANING RECIPES