Avoiding Cigarette Smoke

Disclaimer: This material is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it. It is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, nor does it replace the advice or counsel of a doctor or health care professional. Reference to a specific commercial product or service does not imply endorsement or recommendation of that product or service by CPCMG.

How is smoking harmful to my infant or child?

It has been proven that babies who breathe secondhand smoke have more:
- respiratory illnesses
- ear infections
- a higher risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
- a greater chance of developing lung cancer later in life
If you smoke or vape, we urge you to try to quit.
If you can’t quit, smoke outside the house.
- Since clothing absorbs smoke and nicotine, have a jacket that you wear when smoking and leave it outside.
- It is also better to make sure you pull your hair back while smoking and wash your hands after because smoke can stay on your hair and nails.
- Small children can breathe in smoke from your clothing (third-hand smoke).
Do not smoke in the car.

We strongly urge all smokers to contact their physician for help with quitting smoking or visit https://kickitca.org/ for help.

This publication was adapted from information within the American Academy of Pediatrics Patient Education Handouts and Healthychildren.org

Reviewed by: RM, M.D., TT D.O, | 07/2023