Play-Doh may be fun but it is NOT Gluten Free

Play-Doh is fun, but it is not gluten free. Play-Doh doesn't contain other common allergens - peanuts nor milk, but it does contain wheat and therefore Gluten.

When my son embarked on a gluten free diet, it meant saying good-bye to Play-Doh. This was somewhat sad for me because we were a big play-doh house. Play-doh is such a fun and sensory rich activity - excellent for children with autism. But, because of the gluten it had to go. I gave away a big rolling cart full of every color of doh under the sun, squeezers, cutters and rollers to a friend of mine. I let the school know, no play-doh - and provided them with an alternative (Crayola Model Magic).


You might say: But, my kid isn't eating play-doh.. why does it matter?
I say: It matters.

But... Why?
Play-Doh contains wheat (hence glutens) and when played with it is in contact with the skin. Contaminants are absorbed thru your skin and into your body. Also, kids touch everything and if they touch their mouth it will be ingested and end up in the gut - bad for a celiac or autistic child on a gfcf diet. Plus, as much as we don't want to believe it- kids eat play-doh. It smells "good" and it looks kind of like food, especially when you manipulate it with rolling pins and cookie cutters. Play-Doh is out.

This reminder is particularly pertinent at Back to School time, holiday time, and for anytime goody bags are involved.

1. Check those goody bags and stocking stuffers for play-doh to keep your gluten free children safe.
   
2. Do not give play-doh as a gift to an autistic child if you are not sure of their diet restrictions.
   
3. Do not give play-doh in gift exchanges where children with food allergies could be present.
4. Check with special ed teachers and therapists first before giving the gift of Play-Doh
   

The good news is that there are many alternatives to Play-Doh for the gluten free child:

• Make your own play-dough using gluten free flours - Instructions from the Celiac Sprue Association
• Aroma-Dough - naturally scented for aromatherapy, 100% organic, gluten free flours
• Dokedo Putty
• Colorations is allergen free (No Wheat, No Egg, No Nut, No Dairy, No Latex) and available from Discount School Supply.
• Moon Sand DOES NOT contain wheat, gluten, milk, egg, casein or peanut ingredients. Warning though - it is VERY messy.
• Crayola Model Magic
• Mama K's aromatic Play Clay - see my review here