{"id":328,"date":"2026-04-29T10:52:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-29T09:52:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/feedingyourbaby\/introducing-solid-foods\/best-start-foods\/"},"modified":"2026-04-29T10:55:38","modified_gmt":"2026-04-29T09:55:38","slug":"best-start-foods","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/services.nhslothian.scot\/feedingyourbaby\/draft-introducing-solid-foods\/best-start-foods\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Start Foods"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Best<\/a><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Healthy Start food vouchers are being replaced with Best Start Foods payments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Healthy Start Vitamins tablets\u00a0<\/strong>are still\u00a0available\u00a0for free for all pregnant women.\u00a0Vitamin D<\/strong>\u00a0is also now available for all women who are breastfeeding and babies\/children up to age 3 (as required). See our vitamins<\/a> page for more information. You can also\u00a0speak to your midwife or health visitor about getting your free\u00a0vitamins\u00a0and for further advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Start Foods payments can be used to buy nutritious food using a prepaid debit card. This card can be used in large supermarkets, smaller shops or online. Click here to find out more on which shops you can use the card in and what foods you can buy<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to Apply for Best Start Foods<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You can apply for Best Start Foods when you are pregnant or any time up to your child turning 3 years old. This goes up to 4 years old for a child:<\/p>\n\n\n\n