Please note:
The resources on this page are for information only and are not a substitute for medical advice. If your child is unwell or you have concerns about their health, please contact a qualified healthcare professional. You can also access information on 'when to worry and where to seek help' in our section on Childhood Illnesses. In an emergency, call 999.
If you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, you might be able to get help with buying healthy food and milk through the Healthy Start scheme. You’ll receive a Healthy Start card, which you can also use to collect:
Best Start Foods is a payment that can help you buy healthy foods like milk or fruit during pregnancy and when your child is under 3 years.
Pregnant women in Scotland get free universal Healthy Start vitamins throughout pregnancy, containing vitamin C, vitamin D and folic acid. Vitamins are available from midwives, health visitors and some pharmacies. Breastfeeding mothers and children under 3 can also get free vitamin D supplements, which can be collected without applying.
You can find out more on vitamins A, C and D - what they are, why they’re important, and how they help your baby or child grow and stay healthy – in our Parent Tip:
The NHS offers clear, evidence-based information on vitamins for babies and children. You can find out more by clicking here.
Some babies and young children can find eating or drinking more difficult if they’re still developing these skills. If you’re worried about your child’s feeding or development in any way, our advice is “If in doubt, check it out” - your health visitor or GP can offer support and guidance on motor development. The resource below provides further information for parents and carers:
Also see our recommended resources on motor development.
Healthy eating and staying active are important for the whole family. In collaboration with Healthier Together, the iHV created the webpage below to help share ideas to support healthy eating and staying active for families.
The iHV is committed to ensuring that everyone supporting pregnant women, mothers and their families are equipped with the latest evidence-based advice on responsive infant feeding. The iHV does not produce its own resources on breastfeeding or infant feeding. Instead, we signpost to the following trusted resources for parents and carers:
Best Start in Life: Feeding your baby
Little Sparks, Big Starts
We also recommend that you access our Little Sparks, Big Starts webpage created in collaboration with Kindred Squared and Ready to Relate to discover how the everyday moments of connection that build your baby’s brain and shape their future health and development.
The iHV also recommends the following websites:
