If you are breastfeeding and use a vape, or are trying to stop smoking, you may be wondering whether vaping is a safer option. It is a common question for new parents who want to balance their health goals with giving their baby the best possible start.
In this guide, we will look at what the current guidance says about vaping and breastfeeding, how nicotine affects breast milk and what you can do to reduce risk if you vape.
Is it safe to vape while breastfeeding?
The current advice from the NHS is that it is better to vape than to smoke if you are breastfeeding and trying to quit tobacco. However, the safest option is to avoid nicotine altogether if you can.
Vaping is not risk-free, but it is considered a lower-risk alternative to smoking because it does not involve harmful smoke or tar. If you are already using a vape, it may be part of your stop-smoking journey, but it is still important to be mindful about nicotine exposure.
Does nicotine pass into breast milk?
Yes, nicotine does pass into breast milk. When you vape, nicotine is absorbed into your bloodstream and some of it enters your milk supply. That means your baby may be exposed to small amounts if you vape regularly.
Nicotine levels in breast milk usually peak about 30 to 60 minutes after vaping. Over time, your body clears it, but regular use throughout the day may lead to a steady level of nicotine in your milk.
This is why timing matters. If you can, try to vape straight after a feed so that your body has more time to process the nicotine before your next feed. This helps lower the amount passed on to your baby.
Is vaping better than smoking while breastfeeding?
Yes. Smoking produces tar, carbon monoxide and many other toxic chemicals that vaping does not. These substances are harmful to your baby both through breast milk and second-hand smoke. Vaping, while not completely safe, avoids many of the worst chemicals found in cigarettes.
If you are struggling to quit and vaping is helping you avoid cigarettes, it is usually considered the better option. Just be sure to use it responsibly and try to reduce your nicotine use over time if possible.
Devices like the Lost Mary BM6000 are commonly used by people switching from cigarettes to vaping, but they still contain nicotine. It is important to understand this if you are breastfeeding and want to minimise exposure.
Should you vape around your baby?
No, you should not vape indoors or near your baby. While second-hand vapour is less harmful than second-hand smoke, it can still contain fine particles and small amounts of chemicals. Always vape outdoors and never in confined spaces where your baby is present.
Also make sure to wash your hands and face before handling your baby if you have recently vaped. Avoid vaping while holding or feeding your child, even if you are outdoors.
Can you vape nicotine-free while breastfeeding?
Vaping without nicotine may reduce risk, but the safety of inhaling flavoured vapour while breastfeeding is still uncertain. The main concern is how ingredients behave once heated and inhaled, and whether they affect the body in ways that impact breast milk.
Most health professionals will still encourage caution. If you are using vaping as a tool to quit smoking, switching to a lower strength first and then eventually to nicotine-free may be a reasonable plan, but always check with your midwife, GP or health visitor for personalised advice.
Tips for reducing nicotine exposure
If you choose to vape while breastfeeding, here are some simple tips to reduce your baby’s exposure:
-
Vape straight after feeding, not before
-
Wait at least one hour after vaping before the next feed if possible
-
Use the lowest nicotine strength that works for you
-
Avoid vaping inside your home or near your baby
-
Consider cutting back gradually or using nicotine-free alternatives if ready
Small steps can make a big difference and help you transition toward a healthier routine.
Want to learn more?
If you want to understand how vaping interacts with your body, habits and lifestyle, check out our full health guides. These articles are written with UK vapers in mind and cover a range of topics from oral health to quitting strategies and long-term side effects.
Final thoughts
Vaping while breastfeeding is not risk-free, but it is considered safer than smoking. Nicotine can pass into breast milk, so it is best to reduce your use where possible, vape after feeding and avoid vaping near your baby.
If you are trying to stop smoking, vaping may help reduce harm in the short term. Speak to your healthcare provider about nicotine replacement, support services and ways to gradually cut down.
For those thinking ahead, you might also find can you vape when pregnant helpful.
To understand health effects further, check does vaping cause gum disease.