WELSH PARENTS ARE NOT PRIORITISING THEIR OWN HEALTH AS THE COST OF LIVING RISES

• New research from Natures Aid Mini Drops has shown that 78% of millennial parents in Wales are prioritising their children’s health over their own
• Since the cost of living has risen, nearly a third (28%) of millennial parents in Wales stated that they are more conscious of their child/children’s nutritional health

With the cost of living on the increase, it seems that millennial parents based in Wales are feeling the effects of rising prices as they strive to provide their children with the best possible nutrition. In fact, new research has shown that 78% of parents in Wales are prioritising their children’s health over their own.

The survey* was commissioned by vitamins, minerals and supplements brand, Natures Aid. The research shows that nearly a third (28%) of Welsh parents are more conscious of their child/children’s nutritional health in the wake of the cost of living crisis. Similarly, 13% of millennial parents living in Wales said that they buy more vitamin supplements than they did before the pandemic.

Looking to gain advice in a more cost-savvy way, 60% of parents in Wales stated that they are grateful for free health advice on social media platforms, with 28% of parents utilising free platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, MumsNet and DadsNet to seek out honest, relatable and reliable nutritional advice for their children, with 65% adding that they only trust advice which comes from an experienced industry expert.

When it comes to spending habits, it seems that wellness remains a core focus for parents in Wales and that this is shaping their shopping habits, with nearly a fifth (18%) of parents purchasing more health and wellness products than they did before the pandemic.

While this shows a shift in consumer behaviour, Welsh parents remain focused on more basic nutrition, with over half (57%) stating that they now try to incorporate more fruit and vegetables into their family mealtimes than they did prior to the pandemic. 

However, it seems that an added boost is welcomed by parents in Wales, with a third (28%) commenting that they are grateful to have access to products such as multivitamins to enhance their children’s health.

Looking ahead and as the nation returns to socialising in a post-pandemic era, the top three reasons cited as the biggest cause of concern when it comes to their child’s health were: changing seasons (33%), going back to school (28%), and going abroad or on holiday (18%).

Bahee Van de Bor, Children’s Nutrition Expert and paediatric dietitian speaking on behalf of Natures Aid, commented: “The cost of living crisis is undoubtedly a worry for many across the UK, but especially for new parents, who have a lot to focus on – whether their children are newborn, toddler or teenagers, nutrition is always a concern. That’s why knowing which children’s multivitamin supplements to give and in the correct amounts, can prove helpful – not only are they cost-effective, but also quick and easy to use, saving busy parents all-important time without compromising on their children’s health.”

Bahee Van de Bor continued: “It’s really telling that parents selflessly put their children’s health before their own, and interesting to see that they are turning to social media to gain nutritional advice. All children under 5 years of age require daily vitamin A, C and D supplements with vitamin D taking top priority. Vitamin D is essential for the normal growth and development of healthy bones and teeth and plays a role in immunity. What’s more, infants drinking more than 500ml of formula per day will meet their daily vitamin and mineral requirements from food and infant formula, whilst breastfed babies will require a daily vitamin D supplement.”

Bahee Van de Bor concluded: “Products such as Natures Aid Vitamin D3 Drops provide the correct amounts (10 mcg) of vitamin D3 for children and can be added to meals or drinks with subtlety and with no unwanted ingredients such as added sugar or artificial colourings.”

Designed for newborn babies through to children aged up to 5 years, the Natures Aid Mini Drops range is manufactured from naturally sourced ingredients, contains no added sugar and no artificial sweeteners, with no artificial flavourings or colours. Because of their natural ingredients, Natures Aid Mini Drops can be added to meals and drinks with subtlety, so can be taken with ease.

During their first years, children have a very high nutritional demand and the Natures Aid Mini Drops range of supplements have been formulated to give nutritional support, through supplements including, vitamin C, D and omega 3. For further information, visit: https://www.naturesaid.co.uk