Buying Healthy Food and Milk When You’re Pregnant or Have Young Children

More about buying healthy food and milk when you’re pregnant or have young children

Eating well is important during pregnancy and early childhood, as it helps your baby grow and stay healthy. You may be able to get help to pay for things like fruit, vegetables, milk, and infant formula (a special type of baby milk). In the UK, this support is often provided through a scheme called Healthy Start.
You might find it hard to afford healthy food for lots of reasons. Rising food costs, changes in income, or having a growing family can all put pressure on your budget. You may also be unsure about what foods are best to buy or where to get help. This can make everyday shopping feel stressful or worrying.

Feeling concerned about providing enough healthy food for yourself or your child is very common. You might feel anxious, guilty, or overwhelmed, especially if you’re trying to make careful choices on a tight budget. You may also feel unsure about what support you are entitled to or how to access it. Knowing that help is available can make a real difference.

You should seek help if you are struggling to afford food, feel worried about your diet during pregnancy, or are unsure if your child is getting what they need. A health visitor or midwife can talk this through with you and help you find support. They can also tell you about schemes like Healthy Start and vitamin supplements (such as vitamin D, which helps keep bones and teeth healthy). Getting advice early can help you feel more confident and supported.

Vitamin D is important for keeping your bones, teeth and muscles healthy. In the UK, it’s hard to get enough vitamin D from sunlight or food alone, especially during the autumn and winter months. Because of this, it is recommended that everyone over the age of one takes a daily supplement of 10 micrograms, including during pregnancy. Some people may be at higher risk of low vitamin D levels. This includes people with darker skin and those who keep most of their skin covered when outdoors. If this applies to you, taking a vitamin D supplement every day throughout the year, including during pregnancy, can help keep your levels healthy.

Breastfed babies should be given a daily vitamin D supplement from birth until they are one year old. The recommended amount is 8.5 to 10 micrograms a day. This helps support healthy growth and development. Babies who are having infant formula do not usually need extra vitamin D if they have around 500ml or more each day, as formula milk already contains added vitamin D.

You can buy vitamin D supplements from most supermarkets and pharmacies. If you’re unsure about what you or your child needs, your health visitor or midwife can give you advice and support.

You will need a referral and a voucher, which you can exchange at a food bank for a parcel of essential food items.