Healthy eating

Pregnancy

• Eat a healthy balanced diet (follow Eat Well Guide), also see Start4Life - pregnancy (opens new window)
• Only eat for one with an extra 200 calories in the last 3 months
• See NHS: Foods to avoid in pregnancy (opens new window)

• Healthy Start (opens new window) pre-paid card can be used to spend on healthy foods and claim free vitamins (from Family Hubs (formerly Children's Centres) during pregnancy and following birth (up until your child's 4th birthday). To check your eligibility and to apply for healthy start see Healthy Start (NHS): How to apply (opens new window). Also speak to your midwife, health visitor, Family Hub or library for more information.

Birth to 6 months

• See Breastfeeding page of this toolkit

6 months (introducing solids)

• Introduce solids (also known as weaning) at around 6 months alongside their usual breast milk or infant formula. See Start4life - introducing solids (opens new window)

Once solids are established

• Children need healthy eating habits to thrive
• A healthy breakfast will set your child up for the day
• Eat with your child and encourage them to try different foods.
• Aim for 5 portions of different fruits and vegetables a day
• Eat healthy snacks 2 times a day
• Encourage your child to drink plenty of water throughout the day

• For support with healthy eating for non-pregnant adults see the Wiltshire Health Improvement Hub
• For support with a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy speak to your midwife or health visitor
• Introduction to Solid Foods session - HCRG Care Group: Healthy Child Drop-Ins (Wiltshire Children's Services) (opens new window)
• Start4life: NHS - information service for parents (opens new window)
• NHS: Have a healthy diet in pregnancy (opens new window)
• Healthy Start Scheme (opens new window): to check your eligibility and to apply for healthy start see Healthy Start (NHS): How to apply (opens new window). Also speak to your midwife, health visitor, Family Hub or library for more information

• Eat Well Guide (opens new window) - guide to a healthy balanced diet
• See Wiltshire Council's pregnancy and healthy weight web page for more information
• Start4life - introducing solids (opens new window) - often starting from around 6 months old
• Healthy Start (opens new window) offers a prepaid card to those applying for Healthy Start. This card will be topped up every 4 weeks with your payment