Babies & pregnancy food facts

Your milk is unique to your baby and their nutritional needs. This fact sheet provides information about human milk, breastfeeding and where to get advice and support. 

Introducing new foods at the right time will help your baby develop and grow into a healthy child.

Giving your child regular meals, and a healthy, well-balanced diet helps their development, mental wellbeing and physical health.

This Food Fact Sheet will tell you all about folic acid – which foods are good sources, how much you need, and who should take supplements.

This Food Fact Sheet is all about the nutrient iodine. It explains why iodine is important, how much iodine you need for health and the main food sources of iodine.

Cow’s milk allergy (CMA) occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly reacts to proteins found in milk. In the UK, CMA affects 2-3% of babies and young children, with most growing out of it by the age of five. Immediate milk allergy is uncommon in adults.  

Pregnancy is a time for a nourishing diet to support your health and your baby’s development. This Food Fact Sheet provides general guidance on healthy food choices when preparing for and during pregnancy.