City of Columbus

Secondhand Smoke is Harmful for Babies

If you smoke while you are pregnant or let anyone smoke near your baby, he or she is lighting up too.

• Babies whose moms smoke while pregnant or who are exposed to secondhand smoke after birth are more likely to die from SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
  
  
• Chemicals in secondhand smoke can affect a baby’s brain and ability to control their breathing, especially when sleeping. 
  
  
• Mothers who breathe secondhand smoke while pregnant are more likely to have smaller babies. Babies born small are weaker and have a higher risk for many serious health problems such as pneumonia, ear infections, colds and sore throat.
  
  
• Secondhand smoke harms a baby's brain development, and has been linked to learning problems and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
  
  
• Babies who breathe secondhand smoke after birth have weaker lungs than other babies. This increases their risk of many health problems later in life such as bronchitis and severe asthma.
  
  

  If you are going to smoke, go outside, far away from a baby.