Co-Sleeping and Smoking

Could someone explain the dangers of bed-sharing and parents who smoke.  I occasionally nap with my 4 month old, and I am a smoker (1/2 pack per day).  Could I be putting my baby at some kind of risk?  Please let me know.

Many moms who breastfeed end up co-sleeping with their babies.  Besides being enjoyable, it makes life so much easier.  Sleeping with my babies is one of my happiest memories!

As long as common sense is used by the parents in terms of providing a safe sleeping environment for an infant, it is probably a safer place to sleep that a crib.  I assume you read somewhere that parents who smoke should not be co-sleeping?  Smoking is one of the risk factors associated with SIDS.

According to Dr. William Sears, author of "SIDS: A Parent's Guide to Understanding and Preventing Sudden Infant Death Syndrome", "mothers who smoke have lower levels of prolactin, the hormone that regulates milk production and affects mothering behavior."   He goes on to say: "Diminished maternal awareness of an infant's needs has been implicated as a risk factor of SIDS, and a mother with less prolactin going through her may have less awareness of her infant, an especially worrisome situation when one considers that these infants are already compromised due to their exposure to smoke and nicotine."

But he also stresses that the safest place for a baby to sleep is with its mother.  As long as you are not actually smoking in the bed, I can see no added dangers.  

Cher Sealy RN, BSN, IBCLC, LLLL

Important Disclaimer

This Breastfeeding.com service is designed to help visitors obtain advice and guidance. You are solely responsible for the outcome of any services and/or advice you are given.   Breastfeeding.com is not responsible for any services and/or advice given by the consultants, and shall not be liable or responsible to any person or entity for any loss or damage caused, or alleged to be have been caused, directly or indirectly by the information or ideas contained, suggested, or referenced. Your participation in this service is solely at your own risk