Giving your children a healthy start to life is one of the best things you can do.
The NHS provides lots of support on their website to help keep you and your baby healthy during and after pregnancy.
Breastfeeding support
If you choose to breastfeed, it can be difficult to know what to do to make sure you and your baby are getting everything you need.
- Advice on breastfeeding and diet, smoking, drinking and work.
- Find local breastfeeding clubs, breastfeeding friendly venues and more
- Get free premium access to the Anya breastfeeding app
Keeping fit and healthy with children
All babies and young children need to be active. When you're feeling tired, being active may seem like the last thing you want to do.
Regular activity can relax you, keep you fit and help you feel more energetic.
Healthy eating for children
Every day a child should eat a mixture of food groups and portions can be measured using their hands.
As your child grows so will their hand and their recommended portion size.
- Bread, rice, potatoes and pasta - 6 to 8 clenched fist-sized portions per day (4 portions for under 5s)
- Fruit and vegetables - 5 handful sized portions per day
- Meat, fish, eggs and beans - 2 or 3 palm-sized portions per day
- Milk and dairy - index and middle finger-sized portions per day
- High-fat/High sugar foods - 0 to 2 thumb-sized portions per day (these are not needed)
A healthy start
It's easy to slip in to bad eating habits when you have kids, but help is available to keep yourself and your children healthy
- Find out if you're eligible for money to buy milk and fruit and vegetables though the Healthy Start Scheme
- Get advice on keeping healthy as a family
Recipe ideas
The Healthy Heroes have shared their favourite recipes with us. Why don't you give them a try?
Change4life has more healthy recipes and information about healthy eating.
See how much fat and sugar is in your food - NHS Food Scanner app
Do you know how much salt, sugar and saturated fat is in everyday food and drink?
The NHS Food Scanner app can help you take control of your children's diets and make healthier choices.
It works by scanning the barcode of products, revealing the total sugar, saturated fat and salt inside and providing hints and tips for adults plus fun food detectives activities for kids.
Family hubs and support in your community
- Family Hubs - provide a single access point to integrated family support services for early help with social, emotional, physical and financial needs.
- Health visiting - get advice on a variety of health needs, including healthy eating and physical activity.
- School nurses - work with school-age children and young people