Table 10 Guidance for giving protein substitute to young children

• Establish a routine – always give protein substitute at the same time each day.

• Protein substitute should always be supervised by an adult.

• All caregivers should use the same consistent approach.

• Administer at mealtime or with a snack.

• Continue to offer even when a child refuses or is unwell. Giving a child a ‘day-off’ from protein substitute will adversely affect their blood phenylalanine control and deliver a wrong message i.e. that ‘it may be okay to stop protein substitute.’ Stopping a protein substitute even for 24 h may create difficulties with its re-introduction, particularly in young children.

• It is important that children understand from an early age that their protein substitute is just as important as any medicine.

• It is good practice to check that no protein substitute is left behind in containers or pouches.