The national Healthy Start scheme supports eligible families to access free vitamins for pregnant or breastfeeding women (until their child’s first birthday) and free vitamins for children (until their fourth birthday). Under 18s who are pregnant automatically qualify for the national Healthy Start scheme, until their baby is born.
If you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, you may be entitled to get help to buy healthy food and milk, through the Healthy Start scheme.
All pregnant women should take vitamins during pregnancy and continue these whilst they are breastfeeding. It is also recommended that breastfed babies have healthy start vitamins from birth. If babies are combination feeding, they will need healthy start vitamins if they are having less than 500mls formula milk.
All children will need vitamins from 6 months old. Healthy Start Children's vitamin drops contain three essential vitamins (Vitamins A, C and D). The vitamins contribute to the maintenance of normal vision, the normal function of the immune system and to the maintenance of normal bones.
A new process now makes it easier for families to apply online for the national Healthy Start scheme and, if eligible, they will receive a pre-paid Healthy Start Mastercard, which replaces the previously used paper vouchers.
Click here to find out if you are eligible and to apply.