Keeping Your Baby Safe from Substances

During pregnancy and while breastfeeding, some substances — like tobacco, alcohol, and drugs — can seriously affect your baby's growth. Certain foods and medicines also carry risks. Understanding these risks helps you protect your baby.

Tobacco, Vaping, and E-Cigarettes

During pregnancy: Smoking, vaping, using e-cigarettes, or using tobacco can increase your baby’s risk of:

• Being born too early
• Being very small at birth
• Having trouble breathing
• Having health problems after they are born
• Suddenly dying due to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

After your baby is born:

• Nicotine passes through breast milk, reaching your baby as they feed.
• Secondhand smoke and vaping raise your baby's risk of getting asthma, colds, ear infections, and cancer.
• There is no safe amount of smoke or vape exposure for your baby.

Create a smoke-free home:

• Don't let anyone smoke or vape around your baby.
• Don't smoke or vape while breastfeeding.
• After you smoke or vape, wash your hands and change your shirt to keep your baby safe.
• Make your home and car smoke-free zones.

Alcohol

During pregnancy: Drinking alcohol, even occasionally, can cause:

• Birth defects
• Lifelong health or learning problems

After your baby is born:

• Alcohol impairs your ability to care for your baby safely.
• Never leave your child with someone who is drinking.

Drugs and Marijuana

During pregnancy: Using drugs (heroin, meth, cocaine) or marijuana can cause:

• Premature birth or very low birth weight
• Birth defects
• Lifelong health or learning problems

After your baby is born:

• Drugs can pass through your breast milk and reach your baby.
• Drugs and alcohol impair your ability to care for your baby and keep them safe.
• Never leave your baby or child with someone who is using drugs.

Reach Out If You Need Help Quitting

If you're struggling with tobacco, alcohol, or drug use, help is available. Talk to WIC staff or your health care provider.

More resources

• Call the Nevada Quitline: 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669).
• Visit nevadatobaccoquitline.com.
• Call the substance abuse helpline: 1-800-450-9530.
• Text "IMREADY" to 839863.
• Visit sobermomshealthybabies.org.