Otherwise, it depends on the amount of smoke in your system. If you have been smoking for a few years, it will take much longer than if you are just a social smoker.
This can be especially important for breastfeeding mothers who smoke because babies can get nicotine through breast milk. A pregnant woman should also avoid smoking; you must be interested in knowing more about pregnancy time, then click here.
In addition, it's important to wash your hands before holding your baby because nicotine on your hands can be transferred to your baby's skin and hair.
Hannah Holt
Do second and third-hand smoke harmful for a baby?
The inhaling of mainstream and the side stream smoke is considered second-hand or passive. It is full of toxins, including poisonous carbon monoxide. If babies are present in a room where even a single person is smoking, they can inhale the toxic smoke from the cigarette.
Ever wondered about the cigarette smell in a room even when no one is smoking? This is because the toxic smoke will stick onto all surrounding upholstery, furniture, and anyone else in the room and continue harming the people in the vicinity.
The smoke left behind by a smoker in an area is known as third-hand smoke. This means a crawling baby who enters the room in which smoking was going on but now has ceased can still get in contact with the toxins even if he touches anything around.
Both these types of smoke are hazardous to the baby’s health.
How is passive smoking dangerous for babies and kids?
Passive smoking is very dangerous for babies and should be avoided. Babies are weak, with smaller airways still developing; even a tiny spec of toxin they breathe in can be perilous. Moreover, they have weak immune systems and cannot tolerate such harmful toxins in their bodies.
Babies are most exposed to third-hand smoke because they crawl and readily touch everything they encounter. They also habitually take their hand in their mouth, making it easy for harmful toxins to enter the body. Furthermore, they crawl on the floor, and the third-hand smoke is abundantly present, making the babies breathe poisonous air.
In some severe cases where the babies have a weak immune system, even a small toxin in their body can lead to sudden death and many severe diseases. Children exposed to second and third-hand smoke are often at great risk of SUDI (Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy).
The smoke entering the body can also hinder the brain’s development as the baby’s brain is very sensitive. Other problems that can arise in babies exposed to passive smoking include:
- Lung and respiratory diseases,
- Irritation and swelling in the airways,
- Childhood cancers,
- Ear infection,
- Tonsillitis,
- Croup,
- Meningococcal disease, etc.
How to protect the baby from passive smoke?
Many parents get rid of their smoking habit before planning for a baby, but many parents struggle to do so and smoke during and even after the pregnancy. Even if the parents do not smoke, someone in the social circle may smoke, which can ultimately affect the baby in case of gatherings.
Many parents and adults who are unable to quit smoking but also love babies often wonder how long after smoking you can hold a baby so that they can keep the baby protected from toxins. The first step to protect the baby from passive smoking is to avoid social gatherings that involve smoking or going out to places where smoking is not prohibited.
Sometimes, if meeting a smoker is unavoidable, you can practice care to prevent smoke toxins from contacting the baby. Ensure that the baby is not anywhere near the smoker or where smoking occurs. If anyone in the area where smoking is going on wants to hold a baby, they should at least wait for a few hours or at least an hour before touching the baby.
You can also inform your social circle about your baby’s health concerns and guide them to keep the environment safe for your baby. Avoid traveling in a car with a baby if anyone is or has smoked in the car.
FAQs:
Q: Is holding my baby after thirty minutes of smoking safe?
A: It is unsafe to hold the baby after thirty minutes of smoking as toxins still exist in your hair, clothes, and body.
Q: Is blowing away the smoke enough to keep the child safe?
A: Blowing away the smoke is recommended, but it is still unsafe for the baby as the toxins will be around.
Q: How can I keep my home free from smoke?
A: The easiest way to keep your home smoke-free is to make your home a no-smoking zone, even during gatherings. If smoking gets unavoidable, keep your house well-ventilated with doors and windows open to let fresh air in.
Final Thoughts
Smoking is a dangerous and addictive habit. Quitting it is not easy, but it must be done to protect your baby. Babies with weak immune systems are very sensitive and should not be exposed to passive smoking. To ensure your baby’s safety and health, ensure your home, car, or any place you visit with your baby is smoke-free.
