Why do they warn smokers against co-sleeping with their babies?

Question

I was researching co-sleeping safety tips and every site warned against smokers co-sleeping with their babies, but none of the sites said why.

Answer 1

My fiancee is a smoker (outside only, very strictly adhered to!), and we have an 8 month old.  When he was 6 weeks old he had to have surgery and the doctor told us that even if you go outside the smoke will stay on you and your skin no matter what.  You even sweat it.  (or maybe it was just a scare tactic... lol)  Anyway, co-sleeping is a risk anyway, and the breathing difficulties that arise from smoke make it too risky to suggest.  We set up a play pen in our room for our son when he was really small and put quilts UNDER the mat.  He loved it.  (we also have a crib, but I was scared to leave him alone after the surgery!!! :)  Good luck.

Answer 2

That's a bunch of bull. I'm not a fan of it, but for different reasons.

If you let your baby sleep with you for too long, your baby will never want to sleep alone. I know someone who has a 10 year old daughter, who still sleeps with her. She refuses to sleep in her own bed.

I've heard stories of a parent rolling over on the child too.

I would never want my child to be rolled over on.

She can sleep in the same room as you, but I wouldn't suggest the same bed.  

Answer 3

second hand smoke. babies are so delicate that even the residue left on hands/clothes/hair can cause them to be exposed to 2nd hand smoke.

households with smoking parents have a higher risk of SIDS.

it's your choice, but smoking is bad!  if you can quit, you should really try... for your own health, but for the health of your child too.  and for the habits he/she may develop over time.  if you dont smoke- sorry to preach.

Answer 4

My doctor told me to wear a rain outfit and smoke outside when I had my son! To be honest they would probably prefer you quit or take a shower after every smoke. The smoke and the nicotine stay on your clothes and your body as well as your hair. This can cause an addiction to the baby when they get older. I quit smoking until my son was a year old. I still do not smoke in the car or the house. Cigarettes have many chemicals that are harmful in them and those chemicals emit onto you when it burns. Doctors prefer you do not sleep with them because you could roll over on them or hurt them. I still slept with mine though and still do sometimes now and he is five!

Answer 5

Because the smoke clings to your hair and clothing, and thus gives your baby secondhand smoke. The American Academy of Pediatrics even says that before holding a baby a smoker should put a blanket between the baby and themselves.  Secondhand smoke is especially bad for babies because they have immature airways, which leads to SIDS, ear infections, and so on.

Answer 6

there is also a higher chance of you sufficating your baby by rolling over them.  

Answer 7

I believe it is because the smoke lingers on you and can affect their breathing. Smoking parents have been linked to SIDS. Most will advise against co sleeping at all though, that I've seen

Answer 8

What is second-hand smoke?

Second-hand smoke is a mix of smoke from the burning end of a lit cigarette, pipe or cigar plus smoke blown into the air by the person smoking.

There is a big difference between second-hand smoke and someone who smokes sleeping next to a baby. Big Difference! If you smoke and have a new born, then do not smoke around the baby. When you are finish clean your face and hands properly. specially your face, since you might come to cuddle and kiss the sweety-pie.

But, remember, that babies have the best immune system than all others. It is natures way of protecting life. His immune system is stronger than the parents. It is the smoker that is at most risk.

Unless you are sitting in the same room with the baby, all windows and doors closed and smoking a cigar, you will be o.k..

Answer 9

If a parent smokes it doubles the chance of baby dying from SIDS. If both parents smoke then the chances are doubled again. They are not sure what it is that increases the risks specifially in regard to cigarette smoke, research is still being conducted but they say that the risk is even greater if the smoking parent co-sleeps with the child.

Answer 10

I think the main reason is many smokers smoke in bed and their bed is permeated with cigarette smoke.  Cigarette smoke is extremely bad for babies, and increases their risk of SIDS, something I wouldn't wish on any baby or mom.  That's the same reason mothers are warned against letting people smoke around their babies.

Answer 11

uh...second-hand smoke? obviously?