3rd Hand smoke: is the "smell" of cigarrete smoke bad for the baby?

I don't mean second hand smoke, but rather the smell of smoke left on hands, breath, clothes?

Message edited 3/15/2008 6:37:35 PM.

Re: is the "smell" of cigarrete smoke bad for the baby?

I wouldn't think so but not sure. I can't stand the smell of smoke even more since I'm pregnant

Re: 3rd Hand smoke: is the "smell" of cigarrete smoke bad for the baby?

I have found a few articles on it that says the "smell" is caused by toxins that the baby can inhale and is harmful.

I wondered if others heard this?

We don't smoke, but I am concerend of family members who do and will be around the baby.


3rd hand smoke

Message edited 3/15/2008 6:41:19 PM.

Re: 3rd Hand smoke: is the "smell" of cigarrete smoke bad for the baby?

my doc said yes !! I used to be a smoker I quit though

I tell everyone not to smoke around my kids

Re: 3rd Hand smoke: is the "smell" of cigarrete smoke bad for the baby?

In all the SIDS info you find (I have some magnets from the hospital), it says it's dangerous to let anyone who has smoked to handle the baby, including having baby's face on their smoky clothing, etc. Thankfully we don't know any smokers, as I'm sure I'd be paranoid about it.

However, for people who's spouses/family members smoke, I'm sure their babies are fine and it happens all the time. I personally would limit exposure, make sure they wash their hands when handling baby, etc.

Message edited 3/15/2008 8:33:25 PM.

Re: 3rd Hand smoke: is the "smell" of cigarrete smoke bad for the baby?

Why they just don't ban the stupid smelly things, I'll never understand. I hate smoking and think most smokers are clueless when it comes to the disgusting odors and chemichals they walk around distributing to the rest of us. The best are the one's who smoke right outside office buildings when you are walking in to see your OB or any other place - they stand right by doorways so you can't get into a place without inhaling their fumes. I cover my face in disgust, I get some nasty looks but whatever!

With that said, my mother is one of these people. She even had a stroke and won't quit. I've already read her the riot act about handling the baby. It puts me in such a tough situation, but baby's health must come first. I remember the torture of constant colds and sinus infections, even shots of adrenaline (major OUCH!) as a kid through even my adult years that I lived around my mother. "Coincidentally", when I don't live around her (or any other smoker) the sinus infections stopped! Ask my mom and she'll say that the smoke had nothing to do with it and won't hurt the baby. She won't smoke around the baby, but I told her she needs to take a shower and not have a cancer stick until after she's far away from the baby.

Tough love, but again baby comes first. Sorry for my rant, but the topic has really been bothering me for some time. Cig smoke (in general) is my biggest pet peeve. I just don't get it.

Message edited 3/16/2008 12:01:44 AM.

Re: 3rd Hand smoke: is the "smell" of cigarrete smoke bad for the baby?

Yes, it is bad for baby, according the the NICU doctors who took care of my baby. We are not smokers but we were given a lot of safety info in preparation for taking him home. We were told that anyone who has smoked should change their clothing before approaching the baby.

Re: 3rd Hand smoke: is the "smell" of cigarrete smoke bad for the baby?

Re: 3rd Hand smoke: is the "smell" of cigarrete smoke bad for the baby?

Re: 3rd Hand smoke: is the "smell" of cigarrete smoke bad for the baby?

Thanks girls for the feedback! I was afraid of this. Luckily we don't live near any of the family who smokes, but how do I tactfully say, you can't hold the baby if I can smell smoke on you?

I guess I am leaving it to my DH to handle