Red Nose recommends : Keep baby smoke free before birth and after.
- Smoking in pregnancy increases your baby’s risk of death during pregnancy and up to one year of age
- There is an increased risk of sudden unexpected death for babies exposed to tobacco smoke during pregnancy and after birth
- If baby’s father smokes there is also an increased risk of SUDI
- The risk of SUDI is increased for babies who share a sleep surface with a person who smokes, even if the smoker doesn’t smoke in the bed
- Do not let anyone smoke near your baby.
- Keep breastfeeding baby even if you are a person who smokes
Babies who are exposed to tobacco smoke before and after birth are at an increased risk of SUDI. To avoid exposing your baby to tobacco smoke, don’t let anyone smoke near your baby - not in the house, the car or anywhere else your baby spends time.
It is often hard to quit smoking so ask for help. Call the Quitline on 137 848 or ask your doctor, midwife or child health nurse for information and advice about quitting.
For further in depth information on this topic, see our Red Nose Information Statement Smoking.
Last modified: 12/10/16