You likely know about the dangers of secondhand smoke. But did you know that cigarette smoke is even worse for babies than it is for adults? It’s crucial to keep cigarette smoke away from your baby. You may have quit smoking when you found out you were going to have a baby. If not, you can still quit. If anyone else in your household smokes, they can quit too. If you are not ready to quit, you can make changes to protect your baby. Anyone who spends time near the baby can make these changes too. This includes grandparents, friends, and babysitters.
How cigarette smoke can harm your baby
Research shows that smoking around newborns can cause severe health problems. These include:
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Asthma or other lifelong breathing problems.
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Colds, ear infections, and other respiratory problems get worse.
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Poor growth and development, both mentally and physically.
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Higher chance of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).
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Learning problems and ADHD.
Protecting your baby from smoke
If anyone in your household smokes and isn't ready to quit, you can still protect your baby. Don't let anyone smoke in your home or car. If you or another person smokes, only smoke outside. And smoke away from windows and doors.
Thirdhand smoke is the smoke and toxic chemicals left on clothes and other surfaces after you smoke. When you smoke outside and then hold your baby, the smoke and toxic chemicals can get on the baby. Wear clean clothes when you hold your baby.
Never let anyone smoke around your baby. And never take the baby into an area where people are smoking. If you have visitors who smoke, explain your smoking rules before they come over. Then they will know what to expect.
Quitting is BEST for your baby
If you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do for your baby and for yourself. Quitting is hard, but you can do it! Here are some tips:
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Tape a picture of your newborn to your pack of cigarettes. Look at it each time you smoke. This will remind you of the best reason to quit.
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Join a support group or stop smoking class. This will give you the support and skills you need to quit smoking. You may even meet other parents in the same situation. If you need help finding a group or class, your doctor can suggest one in your area.
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Ask other smokers in the family to quit with you. This way, you can support each other.
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Talk with your doctor about your desire to stop smoking. Both counseling and medicines can help you successfully quit smoking.
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If you don’t succeed the first time, try again! Many people have to try more than once before they quit for good. Just remember, you’re doing it for your baby. Trying to quit is better for your baby and yourself than if you’d never tried at all.
For more information
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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services at smokefree.gov/talk-to-an-expert
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National Cancer Institute Smoking Quitline at 877-44U-QUIT (877-448-7848)
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