Nutrition

A varied and nutritious diet and regular physical activity are key to promote  healthy growth and development in young children. In the short term, they  improve growth and  support  concentration and learning.  Longer term benefits include   reduced  risk of serious diseases later in life, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and osteoporosis.  

Infant Feeding  

The Scottish Government aims to increase breastfeeding rates and support babies to be breastfed for longer. Breastfeeding can protect against obesity and a range of other conditions.   

It is recommended that infants are introduced to solids foods at around 6 months of age. This is a key stage in an infant's development and allows the family to introduce a range of tastes and textures, which will enable an infant to progress onto eating a healthy diet as they grow.   

More information on infant feeding including breastfeeding, formula feeding and starting solids can be found here  

HENRY  

HENRY adopts a unique and highly effective way of working with parents which supports them to change family lifestyle habits and behaviours and provide a healthy start in life for their children – this is the ‘HENRY approach’. Visit the HENRY Website by clicking here

Breastfeeding 

1. Barriers to Breastfeeding: For more information click here  
2. Breastfeeding data: find information on Breastfeeding rates which shows increases in breastfeeding in our SIMD 1 neighbourhood areas by clicking here  
3. UNICEF Infant Feeding Research: find an overview of recent studies relevant to infant feeding and parent-infant relationship building by clicking here  

Starting Solids 

• NHS GGC has developed a range of videos, cooking demonstrations and information to help families on their starting solids journey.  These are available to watch by clicking here   
• Public Health Scotland have shared an easy guide to introducing solid foods 'Fun first foods'. For more information click here

Thrive under 5 (TU5)

The programme aims to support children under the age of five to achieve a healthy weight. The project works in partnership with others to tackle the issue of food insecurity by providing families with the resources and knowledge to make healthier choices. In Glasgow, we are trialling the offer to now include families with children aged 12 and under until the end of March 2026. For more information click here 

HENRY  

The HENRY approach works with parents and carers to support them to change family lifestyle habits and behaviours. Practitioners working with families in Glasgow are currently receiving training.  This approach complements Thrive Under 5 and Health Improvement child health programmes. For more information click here  

Professional (public sector and third sector) and self-referrals can be made to the HENRY programme. Click here to make a referral via the NHSGGC website. 

First Steps Nutrition Trust 

The First Steps Nutrition Trust website has a wide range of nutrition information including resources to support eating well in the early years. For more information click here

Community Food and Health Scotland 

Aims to ensure that everyone in Scotland has the opportunity, ability and confidence to access a healthy and acceptable diet for themselves, their families and their communities. For more information click here  

Food a Fact of Life

A comprehensive, progressive education programme which communicates up-to-date, evidence-based, consistent and accurate messages around ‘food’ to all those involved in education. For more information click here    

Food Standards Scotland 

The Food Standards Scotland website has tips on healthy eating, meal plans and interactive educational games for children and young people. For information click here  

Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Early Learning Scheme

A national programme which aims to promote an environment where breastfeeding is seen as the norm.  

Early Years Establishments wishing to join the scheme can appoint a champion who takes leadership for the implementation of the scheme in their establishment.  

For more information or enquire about joining please contact:   

South - Pollok.HIAdmin@ggc.scot.nhs.uk  

North East - ggc.northeasthealthimprovementteam.admin@nhs.scot 

North West -  ggc.northwest.hiadministrator@nhs.scot

Setting the Table

 Provides nutritional guidance and food standards for early years childcare providers in Scotland.  For more information click here   

In November 2024 the Scottish Government delivered a webinar and SWAY in relation to the updated version of Setting the Table Guidance.  For more information click here

Food Matters

The Food Matters resource was developed by the Care Inspectorate and showcases examples of how Early Learning and Childcare settings are supporting children to enjoy healthy nutritious food. For more information click here  

The Milk and Healthy Snack Scheme (Scotland) Regulations 2021

The scheme is delivered by local authorities who will provide direct and upfront funding. For more information click here   

Vitamin D 

In NHS GG&C free vitamin D is provided to:     

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women    

• Breastfed babies from birth – 1 year of age     

• Formula-fed babies once they take less than 500ml (about 1 pint) of infant formula a day.  

• All children aged 1 to 4 years old should be given a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D.   

Find out more about Vitamin D via the NHSGGC website by clicking here   .  Further advice for all age groups about vitamin D can be found by clicking here   . 

Thrive Under 5 (TU5) 

The programme aims to support children under the age of five to achieve a healthy weight. The project works in partnership with others to tackle the issue of food insecurity by providing families with the resources and knowledge to make healthier choices. In Glasgow, we are trialling the offer to now include families with children aged 12 and under until the end of March 2026. For more information click here  

Breastfeeding support 

You can find breastfeeding and infant feeding support in your local area via The Breastfeeding Network website by clicking here and the Parent Club website by clicking here  

Feeding, Nutrition and Healthy Eating 

The NHS Inform website has information about the food groups recommendations and how they can benefit your health. For more information click here 

Find information on different feeding options, advice on how to know when your baby needs feeding, and how to manage the challenges if things don’t go entirely to plan via the Parent Club Website. For more information click here

First Steps Nutrition Trust website has a wide range of nutrition information including resources to support eating well in the early years. For more information click here   

The Food Standards Scotland website has tips on healthy eating, meal plans and interactive educational games for children and young people. For more information click here   

HENRY 

Simple recipes are available to help families prepare quick, balanced meals via the HENRY Website. Click here to view.                                                                                                               

The HENRY website also offer resources on: 

• Eating well for less. Click here to view. 

• Fussy eaters. Click here to view. 

• Top Tips for Parents and Carers. Click here to view. 

Starting Solids 

NHS GGC has developed a range of videos, cooking demonstrations and information to help families on their weaning journey.  These are available to watch by clicking here   

Public Health Scotland have shared an easy guide to introducing solid foods 'Fun first foods'. For more information click here  

Parent Club have shared some useful tips to help make mealtimes easier as well as, some advice on planning meals in advance to help save money while enjoying a healthy, balanced diet. Click here to view via the website. 

Families can also speak to their Health Visitor of Family Nurse to enquire if there are any local Starting Solids sessions taking place.   

Vitamin D   

In NHS GG&C free vitamin D is provided to:     

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women    

• Breastfed babies from birth – 1 year of age     

• Formula-fed babies once they take less than 500ml (about 1 pint) of infant formula a day.  

• All children aged 1 to 4 years old should be given a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D.   

Find out more about Vitamin D via the NHSGGC website by clicking here .  Further advice for all age groups about vitamin D can be found by clicking here .  

Below is a list of key strategy and policy links regarding nutrition for early years . These documents should be used to inform planning and delivery within early years settings. Please note that clicking on these documents will take you to external websites.   

A healthier future: Scotland's diet and healthy weight delivery plan

A national strategy that sets out how we can work with partners in the public and private sector to help people make healthier choices about food. 

Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Scheme

A national scheme supported by Scottish Government and local Health Boards. This scheme aims to encourage businesses and organisations to sign up and display a sticker to show families that the establishment will be welcoming and supportive of their feeding choice.

The Glasgow City food plan (2021– 2031) 

The Glasgow City Food Plan (2021– 2031) aims for Glasgow to be a city where tasty, healthy, affordable food is accessible to everyone.

UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative

Glasgow City HSCP and Maternity Hospitals are signed up to this accreditation programme enabling support for families with feeding and building close and loving relationships with their baby.