Newborns can experience numerous problems on their growing lungs. Babies can cough, wheeze more and have a harder time recovering from colds, including developing more dangerous illnesses with bronchitis and pneumonia.

“Newborns have little tiny lungs and there are over 4,000 chemicals in secondhand smoke, and over 50 are known to cause cancer,” said Katrina Jensen, RN from Intermountain Moms, during an interview with KUTV News.

There are many more severe complications newborns can have with exposure to secondhand smoke, Jensen said. Ear infections are more prevalent and lead to a higher frequency of surgery to implant tubes in the ear canals. There are also more cases of tooth decay in young children.

Then there is a potential deadly situation. Jensen said there is a higher risk of SIDS – Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, where infants under a year old die unexpectedly and from no known diseases or conditions. Smoking during and/or after the baby is born increases the risk.

“There are a whole array of things that can happen.  It’s pretty important to think about the kinds of environments your kids are in,” Jensen said.

She said to make sure no one smokes in the car, make your home smoke free, and pick babysitters who don’t smoke and choose tobacco-free child care.

If you are pregnant, have young kids, or someone who needs to quit, follow the START acronym to quit the habit.

START

• S – Set a Quit Date
• T – Tell Your Support Group
• A – Anticipate/Plan Ahead
• R – Remove Cigarettes
• T – Talk To Your Doctor

Jensen said she understands it’s hard when expecting mothers quit smoking, it’s also hard to maintain it.

“It’s very difficult to stay stopped smoking. It’s such an addictive habit that we know it’s very difficult,” Jensen said.

Yet the impact of smoking reaches everyone around you. Check out the Intermountain Moms blog for more helpful and healthy tips for mother.