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
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.
Important information
Always check the label to make sure the vitamin is right for your child’s age
- The label will tell you the right age and how much to give.
Do not give more than the amount shown on the label
- The label tells you how much to give and how often to give it.
- If you are not sure about the right amount, ask your pharmacist before giving the vitamin.
Keep all vitamins out of reach and sight of children
- Store them in a safe place, such as a high cupboard or locked container.
- Vitamins can look like sweets, so children may try to eat them.
Gummy vitamins are usually for children aged 4 years and over
- They are not safe for babies and young children.
- This is because they can choke on them and may not be able to chew them properly.
For toddlers and older children, visit our eating well, vitamins and moving more page.
