Vitamin D

Vitamin D helps your baby develop strong bones and teeth. Not getting enough Vitamin D can affect energy levels and mood. You get some from diet and being in the sunlight but it is difficult to get enough.

If your baby is breastfed, they should have 8.5-10 mcg of Vitamin D every day.

Vitamin D is found in certain foods such as:

• oily fish like salmon, sardines, or mackerel
• red meat
• some breakfast cereals.

It is hard to get enough Vitamin D from food alone but you can get Vitamin D supplements from the chemist or supermarket. Just make sure that the pharmacist knows that you want vitamins for your baby.

Find out more about breastfeeding and diet

Healthy Start Cards

Healthy Start is a national scheme to improve health. You could qualify if you're on low income or benefits and are at least 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under the age of four. You also qualify if you're under 18 years old and pregnant.

Your midwife, health visitor or other health professional can support you to sign up. You will be sent a pre-paid card for cow’s milk, fresh/frozen fruit and vegetables and first infant formula milk. These can be used in local shops or supermarkets. You will also receive vouchers to exchange in pharmacies for:

• Women’s vitamins (contain Vitamin C, D and Folic Acid) - available from week 10 of pregnancy up to baby’s first birthday
• Children’s Vitamins (contain Vitamin A, C and D) – from ages 6 months to 4 years.

For families who are not eligible for the scheme, all Norfolk Lloyds Pharmacies sell Healthy Start vitamins at a cheaper price than branded vitamins.

Find out more about Healthy Start