New CICRA resources to support families of children with Very Early Onset IBD
CICRA is pleased to launch two new information booklets designed to support families of young children diagnosed with Very Early Onset Inflammatory Bowel Disease (VEOIBD), and those involved in their care.
Being told that your baby or young child has Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) can be overwhelming. Parents and carers often have many questions about what the diagnosis means, how their child will be affected and what the future might hold.
VEOIBD refers to IBD diagnosed in children under the age of six. Although the condition shares many similarities with IBD in older children, diagnosing and managing it in very young children can bring additional challenges.
Recognising the need for information specifically aimed at families of younger children, CICRA has developed two new resources offering clear, practical advice and reassurance.
Very Early Onset IBD - Information for parents and carers
Our new comprehensive booklet, Very Early Onset Inflammatory Bowel Disease (VEOIBD), has been created to help parents and carers understand their child's diagnosis and feel more confident about managing the condition.
Featuring advice from specialist paediatric IBD healthcare professionals, alongside the experiences of parents whose children have been diagnosed with VEOIBD, the booklet covers everything from recognising symptoms and understanding treatment options to managing every day life.
It also explores the emotional impact of diagnosis, offering reassurance to families navigating what can be a difficult and uncertain time.
Above all, the booklet aims to help parents understand that, with the right treatment and support, children with VEOIBD can enjoy happy, active and fulfilling childhoods.
Download here!
VEOIBD - information for parents and carersSupporting a young child with IBD - a guide for childcare settings
Our second new resource is a practical factsheet designed for nursery and pre-school staff, childminders, relatives, and anyone else caring for a child under six with IBD.
Very young children cannot always explain when they are feeling unwell, making it particularly important that those caring for them understand their individual needs.
The guide explains VEOIBD in straightforward language and provides practical advice on recognising changes in a child's behaviour, appetite and toilet habits, as well as managing fatigue, medication and other everyday challenges.
It also includes a section for parents and carers to complete with information specific to their child, helping childcare providers understand what to look out for, when to contact parents and how best to support the child in their care.
By improving understanding and communication between families and childcare settings, we hope this resource will help children with VEOIBD feel safe, supported and included.
Download here!
Supporting a young child with IBDAt CICRA, we understand how isolating a diagnosis of IBD in a very young child can feel, particularly when families have never encountered the condition before.
These new booklets are part of our ongoing commitment to providing accessible, reliable information and emotional support to families affected by childhood IBD.
Whether you are a parent coming to terms with a recent diagnosis, or someone helping to care for a young child with VEOIBD, we hope these resources will provide answers, reassurance and practical guidance