Cigarette Smoke and Our Princess

After much thought and research and too much time, I have made some decisions that are not meant to offend anyone but are solely to protect R's health. Her health and safety ALWAYS come first. I have been struggling with the issue of second hand smoke since R was born. I let myself be convinced that friends and family smoking outside would be enough to protect our precious daughter. It is not. We all love R, so these rules should not be too much trouble for anyone to follow.

Please do not hold R for at least one hour after smoking a cigarette. Those who smoke need to wear something over their clothing that can be removed before re-entering the house. An entirely new outfit would be preferred. Also, smokers need to wash their hands after smoking before holding R. Even if you have just washed your hands, under no circumstances are you to put them in R's mouth or allow R to suck on your fingers.

R will not be entering any house that cigarettes are smoked in. We appreciate all of the offers from everyone not to smoke while she is there, but it is not enough. Those who smoke inside their home may come to R's house or meet us elsewhere.

I know that all those who smoke have a right to do so. I have the right to protect my daughter. I am not punishing or judging by enforcing these rules for R. But, based on what we now know about the dangers to infants of second and third hand smoke, I would not be a responsible parent if I did not protect her from these hazardous chemicals.

Please read the following articles is you have any questions about the affects of second and third hand smoke on infants and children.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/3476743.stm

http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/shs.html

http://www.babycenter.com/404_how-can-i-protect-my-baby-when-theres-a-smoker-in-the-house_1430505.bc

http://www.babycenter.com/400_my-relatives-smoke-around-my-baby-how-should-i-handle-it_500582_1000.bc