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Signposting expectant parents, parents of babies (0-12 months), and professionals to current evidence-based guidance
Frequent Questions Parents Have About Their Baby aged 0 to 12 Months
Safety in Infancy
Safer Sleep Reduces the Risk of SIDS
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The Safest Room Temperature for Babies
The Safest room temperature for babies
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Please click and follow the link below for further guidance. Signposted from BHC, containing public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Baby and Toddler Safety
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Pets and Children: Top Tips to Keep Them Safe and happy together
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Choosing a Baby Car Seat
Choosing a baby car seat
Please click and follow the link below for further guidance and check https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/car-seat-factsheet-2023.pdf for further safety guidance. Signposted from BHC, containing public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Please click and follow the link below for further guidance and check https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/car-seat-factsheet-2023.pdf for further safety guidance. Signposted from BHC, containing public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Baby Slings and Carriers
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Keeping your Baby Safe in the Sun
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What to do if your Baby has an Accident
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Smoking in Pregnancy
Smoking during pregnancy harms the unborn baby by reducing oxygen supply, causing the baby's heart to work harder.
Quitting smoking improves pregnancy outcomes, reducing risks of complications, stillbirth, premature birth, low birth weight, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Secondhand smoke from others can also harm the baby, leading to lower birth weight and increased risk of SIDS and respiratory issues.
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is safer than smoking and can be used during pregnancy with medical guidance.
Pregnant women should avoid liquorice-flavored nicotine products due to potential risks. E-cigarettes are less harmful than smoking but still contain some harmful chemicals; they are not available on NHS prescription.
The National Smokefree helpline offers free support for quitting smoking, with additional local NHS services and advisers available.
Pregnant women are encouraged to stop smoking as soon as possible for the best outcomes for themselves and their babies.
What happens to the Unborn Baby when exposed to Mother's smoking or second-hand smoke?
When a mother smokes cigarettes during pregnancy, it can have several harmful effects on the baby. These effects occur because the chemicals in cigarettes, such as nicotine, carbon monoxide, and tar, pass from the mother to the baby through the placenta and umbilical cord.
1. Smoking can reduce the oxygen supply to the baby. Nicotine causes blood vessels, including those in the umbilical cord, to narrow, which reduces the oxygen available to the baby. Carbon monoxide also binds to hemoglobin, decreasing the amount of oxygen the baby receives.
2. Babies born to mothers who smoke are more likely to have a low birth weight. Smoking can slow the baby’s growth in the womb, which increases the risk of premature birth and related complications.
3. Smoking during pregnancy can lead to developmental issues, including problems with brain development. This might affect the child’s cognitive abilities, behavior, and learning later in life.
4. Smoking increases the risk of certain birth defects, such as cleft lip or cleft palate.
5. Babies exposed to cigarette smoke during pregnancy and after birth are at a higher risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), which is the sudden and unexplained death of an otherwise healthy infant.
6. Children whose mothers smoked during pregnancy are more likely to develop health problems later in life, such as asthma, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.
It is strongly recommended that mothers avoid smoking during pregnancy to protect the health and well-being of their baby.
Please contact your GP, Health Visitor, Midwife and BHC Help and Support Page for link to Help To Stop Smoking Services information.
Please click and follow the link below for up to date guidance. Signposted from BHC, containing public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Quitting smoking improves pregnancy outcomes, reducing risks of complications, stillbirth, premature birth, low birth weight, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Secondhand smoke from others can also harm the baby, leading to lower birth weight and increased risk of SIDS and respiratory issues.
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is safer than smoking and can be used during pregnancy with medical guidance.
Pregnant women should avoid liquorice-flavored nicotine products due to potential risks. E-cigarettes are less harmful than smoking but still contain some harmful chemicals; they are not available on NHS prescription.
The National Smokefree helpline offers free support for quitting smoking, with additional local NHS services and advisers available.
Pregnant women are encouraged to stop smoking as soon as possible for the best outcomes for themselves and their babies.
What happens to the Unborn Baby when exposed to Mother's smoking or second-hand smoke?
When a mother smokes cigarettes during pregnancy, it can have several harmful effects on the baby. These effects occur because the chemicals in cigarettes, such as nicotine, carbon monoxide, and tar, pass from the mother to the baby through the placenta and umbilical cord.
1. Smoking can reduce the oxygen supply to the baby. Nicotine causes blood vessels, including those in the umbilical cord, to narrow, which reduces the oxygen available to the baby. Carbon monoxide also binds to hemoglobin, decreasing the amount of oxygen the baby receives.
2. Babies born to mothers who smoke are more likely to have a low birth weight. Smoking can slow the baby’s growth in the womb, which increases the risk of premature birth and related complications.
3. Smoking during pregnancy can lead to developmental issues, including problems with brain development. This might affect the child’s cognitive abilities, behavior, and learning later in life.
4. Smoking increases the risk of certain birth defects, such as cleft lip or cleft palate.
5. Babies exposed to cigarette smoke during pregnancy and after birth are at a higher risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), which is the sudden and unexplained death of an otherwise healthy infant.
6. Children whose mothers smoked during pregnancy are more likely to develop health problems later in life, such as asthma, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.
It is strongly recommended that mothers avoid smoking during pregnancy to protect the health and well-being of their baby.
Please contact your GP, Health Visitor, Midwife and BHC Help and Support Page for link to Help To Stop Smoking Services information.
Please click and follow the link below for up to date guidance. Signposted from BHC, containing public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Smoking during pregnancy or after birth increases the risk of SIDS
Every year there are around 300,000 GP visits and 9,500 hospital admissions as a result of children becoming unwell due to breathing secondhand smoke.
Smoking during pregnancy or after birth significantly increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Research indicates that 30% of SIDS cases could be prevented if mothers did not smoke during pregnancy. When combined with the risks of smoking around the baby after birth, smoking is linked to about 60% of sudden infant deaths.
To protect your baby from smoke-related risks, it’s advised that both parents avoid smoking during pregnancy and after birth. Additionally, keep your baby away from smoky environments, including the home, car, and any areas where smoking occurs. Avoid bed-sharing if you or your partner smoke, or if the baby was exposed to smoking during pregnancy, as this increases the risk of SIDS.
Even smoking 1-9 cigarettes a day during pregnancy raises the risk of SIDS over four times compared to non-smokers. However, avoiding smoke exposure after birth can still reduce the risk.
Quitting smoking is challenging, but help is available through NHS services. You can reach the NHS Smoking Helpline or visit their website for support. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is generally safe for pregnant women, but consult your doctor first. E-cigarettes are considered safer than smoking, although there is limited research on their effects regarding SIDS. If using e-cigarettes helps you stay smoke-free, it is likely a safer alternative to smoking.
The most important step is to stay smoke-free and protect your baby from secondhand smoke. Resources to help pregnant women quit smoking, including guides for healthcare professionals, are available through the Lullaby Trust and The Smoking in Pregnancy Challenge Group.
Please contact your GP, Health Visitor, Midwife and BHC Help and Support Page for link to Help To Stop Smoking Services information.
Please click and follow the link below for up to date guidance. Signposted from BHC, containing public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
https://healthforunder5s.co.uk/sections/baby/secondhand-smoke-just-the-facts/
https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/safer-sleep-advice/safer-sleep-basics/smoking/
Smoking during pregnancy or after birth significantly increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Research indicates that 30% of SIDS cases could be prevented if mothers did not smoke during pregnancy. When combined with the risks of smoking around the baby after birth, smoking is linked to about 60% of sudden infant deaths.
To protect your baby from smoke-related risks, it’s advised that both parents avoid smoking during pregnancy and after birth. Additionally, keep your baby away from smoky environments, including the home, car, and any areas where smoking occurs. Avoid bed-sharing if you or your partner smoke, or if the baby was exposed to smoking during pregnancy, as this increases the risk of SIDS.
Even smoking 1-9 cigarettes a day during pregnancy raises the risk of SIDS over four times compared to non-smokers. However, avoiding smoke exposure after birth can still reduce the risk.
Quitting smoking is challenging, but help is available through NHS services. You can reach the NHS Smoking Helpline or visit their website for support. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is generally safe for pregnant women, but consult your doctor first. E-cigarettes are considered safer than smoking, although there is limited research on their effects regarding SIDS. If using e-cigarettes helps you stay smoke-free, it is likely a safer alternative to smoking.
The most important step is to stay smoke-free and protect your baby from secondhand smoke. Resources to help pregnant women quit smoking, including guides for healthcare professionals, are available through the Lullaby Trust and The Smoking in Pregnancy Challenge Group.
Please contact your GP, Health Visitor, Midwife and BHC Help and Support Page for link to Help To Stop Smoking Services information.
Please click and follow the link below for up to date guidance. Signposted from BHC, containing public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
https://healthforunder5s.co.uk/sections/baby/secondhand-smoke-just-the-facts/
https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/safer-sleep-advice/safer-sleep-basics/smoking/
Smoking and Breastfeeding
The NHS provides guidance on breastfeeding and smoking, highlighting the importance of quitting smoking for both maternal and infant health. Stopping smoking before or during pregnancy reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), breathing problems, ear infections, and behavioural issues in babies.
Key points include:
- Do not stop breastfeeding if you smoke, as breastfeeding still provides essential nutrients and protection.
- Avoid smoking before feeding, as nicotine can transfer to breastmilk.
- Creating a smoke-free home environment helps protect the baby’s health, and it's advised to avoid co-sleeping if you or your partner smoke, as this increases the risk of SIDS.
- Support for quitting is available through NHS services, including nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), which is safe for breastfeeding mothers. NRT is available free on prescription during pregnancy and for one year after the baby is born.
- E-cigarettes are safer than smoking, but new mothers are advised to use licensed NRT products when breastfeeding.
The guidance encourages continuing breastfeeding even if quitting smoking is challenging.
Please click and follow the link below for up to date guidance.
Please contact your GP, Health Visitor, Midwife and BHC Help and Support Page for link to Help To Stop Smoking Services information.
Signposted from BHC, containing public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Key points include:
- Do not stop breastfeeding if you smoke, as breastfeeding still provides essential nutrients and protection.
- Avoid smoking before feeding, as nicotine can transfer to breastmilk.
- Creating a smoke-free home environment helps protect the baby’s health, and it's advised to avoid co-sleeping if you or your partner smoke, as this increases the risk of SIDS.
- Support for quitting is available through NHS services, including nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), which is safe for breastfeeding mothers. NRT is available free on prescription during pregnancy and for one year after the baby is born.
- E-cigarettes are safer than smoking, but new mothers are advised to use licensed NRT products when breastfeeding.
The guidance encourages continuing breastfeeding even if quitting smoking is challenging.
Please click and follow the link below for up to date guidance.
Please contact your GP, Health Visitor, Midwife and BHC Help and Support Page for link to Help To Stop Smoking Services information.
Signposted from BHC, containing public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Passive Smoking
The NHS advises that secondhand smoke, or passive smoking, is dangerous, particularly for children. Most of the smoke from a cigarette doesn't go into the smoker's lungs but into the surrounding air, where others can inhale it. This includes both the exhaled smoke and the sidestream smoke from the cigarette itself.
People exposed to secondhand smoke are at higher risk for diseases such as lung cancer and heart disease. Pregnant women are more prone to premature birth, and their babies are at risk of low birthweight and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Children exposed to secondhand smoke face increased risks of asthma, breathing issues, infections like pneumonia, and ear infections.
To protect others, the only effective solution is to maintain a smoke-free environment. Quitting smoking is the best way to achieve this, but if quitting isn’t possible, smokers should always smoke outside and ensure their homes and cars remain smoke-free. Smoking in cars with children under 18 has been illegal since 2015.
E-cigarettes, while less harmful than conventional cigarettes, still pose some risks, especially to children. Although the risk from passive vaping is much lower, it’s recommended to avoid vaping around children.
Help and advice on quitting smoking are available from the NHS.
Please contact your GP, Health Visitor, Midwife and BHC Help and Support Page for link to Help To Stop Smoking Services information.
Please click and follow the link below for Guidance. Signposted from BHC, containing public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
People exposed to secondhand smoke are at higher risk for diseases such as lung cancer and heart disease. Pregnant women are more prone to premature birth, and their babies are at risk of low birthweight and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Children exposed to secondhand smoke face increased risks of asthma, breathing issues, infections like pneumonia, and ear infections.
To protect others, the only effective solution is to maintain a smoke-free environment. Quitting smoking is the best way to achieve this, but if quitting isn’t possible, smokers should always smoke outside and ensure their homes and cars remain smoke-free. Smoking in cars with children under 18 has been illegal since 2015.
E-cigarettes, while less harmful than conventional cigarettes, still pose some risks, especially to children. Although the risk from passive vaping is much lower, it’s recommended to avoid vaping around children.
Help and advice on quitting smoking are available from the NHS.
Please contact your GP, Health Visitor, Midwife and BHC Help and Support Page for link to Help To Stop Smoking Services information.
Please click and follow the link below for Guidance. Signposted from BHC, containing public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Alcohol in Pregnancy
The NHS advises that if you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it's best to avoid alcohol entirely to minimize any risk to your baby. Alcohol can pass from your bloodstream through the placenta to your baby, potentially causing harm as the baby’s liver is not fully developed.
Drinking alcohol during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, low birthweight, and can cause a lifelong condition known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). FASD can lead to problems with learning, behavior, speech, hyperactivity, and physical issues affecting joints, bones, muscles, and organs.
For many women, avoiding alcohol in pregnancy is easier than expected, as they may naturally lose interest in alcohol. Those who discover they're pregnant after having already consumed alcohol should stop drinking for the rest of the pregnancy and consult a healthcare professional if concerned.
Help is available for those who find it difficult to stop drinking. Support can be accessed through services like Drinkaware, We Are With You, and Alcoholics Anonymous.
The NHS provides additional resources for staying healthy during pregnancy, including advice on diet, exercise, mental health, and vaccinations.
Please click and follow the link below for up to date guidance. Signposted from BHC, containing public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Drinking alcohol during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, low birthweight, and can cause a lifelong condition known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). FASD can lead to problems with learning, behavior, speech, hyperactivity, and physical issues affecting joints, bones, muscles, and organs.
For many women, avoiding alcohol in pregnancy is easier than expected, as they may naturally lose interest in alcohol. Those who discover they're pregnant after having already consumed alcohol should stop drinking for the rest of the pregnancy and consult a healthcare professional if concerned.
Help is available for those who find it difficult to stop drinking. Support can be accessed through services like Drinkaware, We Are With You, and Alcoholics Anonymous.
The NHS provides additional resources for staying healthy during pregnancy, including advice on diet, exercise, mental health, and vaccinations.
Please click and follow the link below for up to date guidance. Signposted from BHC, containing public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Alcohol and Breastfeeding
The NHS advises that alcohol can pass into breastmilk and then to your baby when breastfeeding. It is advised to be best to wait at least 2 hours after drinking before breastfeeding.
Regularly drinking above recommended limits can affect both you and your baby by reducing milk supply and potentially causing sleep, growth, or developmental problems for the baby.
To manage breastfeeding while attending social occasions involving alcohol, consider the following:
- If you drink, avoid breastfeeding for 2-3 hours per drink to allow alcohol to leave your breast milk.
- Ensure breastfeeding is well-established before trying this.
- Plan ahead by expressing milk before the event, so you can feed your baby with stored milk afterward.
- Be aware that long gaps between feeds may make your breasts uncomfortably full, and expressing for comfort may be necessary.
- There's no need to express to clear alcohol from your milk, as alcohol levels decrease naturally as your body metabolizes it.
WHY?
When a mother drinks alcohol while breastfeeding, the alcohol passes into her breast milk and can affect the baby but how?
- The baby's liver is underdeveloped, so it metabolizes alcohol very slowly. This can lead to alcohol building up in the baby's bloodstream, increasing the exposure.
- Repeated alcohol exposure may cause stress or toxicity to the baby's liver, which could result in future liver function issues. Chronic exposure could also affect liver development.
- Other health risks include poor sleep, delayed motor development, and potential behavioural problems later in childhood.
In Summary: It is also important to never share a bed or sofa with your baby if you have consumed alcohol, as this increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). For social occasions, consider expressing milk beforehand and avoiding breastfeeding for 2-3 hours per drink to minimize alcohol exposure.
Binge drinking, which involves consuming more than 6 units of alcohol in one session, can impair your awareness of your baby's needs. If you plan to binge drink, ensure another adult who hasn't consumed alcohol looks after the baby.
If you would like further information or support please speak to your GP, Health Visitor or Midwife.
Please click and follow the link below for up to date guidance. Signposted from BHC, containing public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Regularly drinking above recommended limits can affect both you and your baby by reducing milk supply and potentially causing sleep, growth, or developmental problems for the baby.
To manage breastfeeding while attending social occasions involving alcohol, consider the following:
- If you drink, avoid breastfeeding for 2-3 hours per drink to allow alcohol to leave your breast milk.
- Ensure breastfeeding is well-established before trying this.
- Plan ahead by expressing milk before the event, so you can feed your baby with stored milk afterward.
- Be aware that long gaps between feeds may make your breasts uncomfortably full, and expressing for comfort may be necessary.
- There's no need to express to clear alcohol from your milk, as alcohol levels decrease naturally as your body metabolizes it.
WHY?
When a mother drinks alcohol while breastfeeding, the alcohol passes into her breast milk and can affect the baby but how?
- The baby's liver is underdeveloped, so it metabolizes alcohol very slowly. This can lead to alcohol building up in the baby's bloodstream, increasing the exposure.
- Repeated alcohol exposure may cause stress or toxicity to the baby's liver, which could result in future liver function issues. Chronic exposure could also affect liver development.
- Other health risks include poor sleep, delayed motor development, and potential behavioural problems later in childhood.
In Summary: It is also important to never share a bed or sofa with your baby if you have consumed alcohol, as this increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). For social occasions, consider expressing milk beforehand and avoiding breastfeeding for 2-3 hours per drink to minimize alcohol exposure.
Binge drinking, which involves consuming more than 6 units of alcohol in one session, can impair your awareness of your baby's needs. If you plan to binge drink, ensure another adult who hasn't consumed alcohol looks after the baby.
If you would like further information or support please speak to your GP, Health Visitor or Midwife.
Please click and follow the link below for up to date guidance. Signposted from BHC, containing public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
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