Healthy start and vitamins for your child
This page explains when babies and young children need vitamins.
Vitamins help your child grow well and stay healthy
Healthy Start vouchers
You may be able to get Healthy Start if:
- you are more than 10 weeks pregnant
- you have a child under 4 years old
- your family’s monthly ‘take-home pay’ is less than £408 from employment
Healthy Start can help you buy:
- Healthy Start vitamins
- fruit and vegetables
- milk
- infant formula (if needed)
Check if you’re eligible and apply on the NHS Healthy Start website: How to apply
Find out where you can collect Healthy Start vitamins by using the postcode searcher
Vitamins for babies
Vitamin D helps your baby build strong bones and teeth.
- Breastfed babies need 8.5 to 10 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin D every day.
- Formula-fed babies do not need extra vitamin D if they drink 500ml of formula a day.
You can buy vitamin D drops in supermarkets and pharmacies. Some families may get free Healthy Start vitamins.
Vitamins for children aged 6 months to 5 years
Children aged 6 months to 5 years should take a daily multivitamin containing vitamins A, C and D.
Vitamin A
Helps the immune system, eyesight and keeps skin healthy. Found in, carrots, sweet potato, broccoli, spinach, and dairy foods.
Vitamin C
Helps the body absorb iron and supports the immune system. Found in, broccoli, tomatoes, kiwi, strawberries and oranges.
Vitamin D
Needed to keep bones and muscles healthy. Everyone (adults and children) should consider taking 10 micrograms a day.
Important information
- Always check the label to make sure the vitamin is right for your child’s age.
- Do not give more than the recommended dose, if you are unsure, speak to your pharmacist.
- Keep all vitamins out of reach of children.
- Gummy vitamins are usually for children aged 4 years and older. They are not suitable for babies and toddlers because of choking risks and because younger children cannot chew them safely.
Useful resources
- NHS: Healthier families includes simple tips, recipes, vitamin guidance, meal ideas, and support to help children stay healthy as they grow.
- NHS Best Start in Life: Vitamins
- Leeds Community Healthcare Nutrients page gives you information on the key nutrients children need for healthy growth. It explains why these nutrients matter, where they come from, and when babies and young children may need supplements such as vitamins A, C and D.
