How to keep your baby smoke-free
The risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is higher if you or your partner smokes while you’re pregnant, or after your baby is born. Follow these steps to help keep your baby safer
- Try not to smoke during pregnancy and after the birth – both you and your partner. If you smoke, the most protective thing you can do for your baby is to stop.
- Keep your baby out of smoky areas. Don’t let people smoke near your baby and keep your home, car, and other places your baby spends time smoke free. Remember, it’s illegal to smoke in a car or other vehicle if anyone under the age of 18 is present.
- Don’t share a bed with your baby if you or your partner smoke, or if the baby was exposed to smoking in pregnancy.
If you smoke 1-9 cigarettes a day during pregnancy, the risk of SIDS is four times higher than for babies of people who didn’t smoke at all during pregnancy. Even if you did smoke when you were pregnant, try not to expose your baby to smoke after birth. This alone can help reduce the risk of SIDS.

Where to get help to quit smoking
Giving up smoking can be a huge challenge for many new and expectant parents, but the good news is there is support available.
You are far more likely to kick the habit for good if you have support. There are experts who specialise in smoking cessation and products available to make it easier.
Visit NHS Better Health to get started, or speak to your midwife, health visitor or your local stop smoking service.
Read additional resources around smoking in pregnancy that we worked on in partnership with The Smoking in Pregnancy Challenge Group. If you’re a health professional, there are additional guides and infographics to help you support conversations surrounding vaping, smoking and pregnancy.
Frequently asked questions

Remember
If you or anybody in your household smokes, quitting is one of the most protective things you can do for your baby. There is help available so you don’t have to go it alone and you’re more likely to quit if you have support. If you do smoke, keep your baby away from smoky areas and avoid bed-sharing, as bed-sharing is riskier if you smoke.
Every baby safe. Every family supported.
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