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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To smoke around newborn/baby/child?

215 replies

newmummie · 08/04/2023 09:08

Just want to know AIBU. I'm due me and dp first child in 3 months time, we are so so excited. Dp smokes (I don't, and never will) and when I say smokes, I mean around the clock. Since becoming pregnant I've made him very aware that he isn't allowed to smoke near me and I don't want to inhale any of it, he's agreed with this and does try his best to keep me away from it all. Although he does smoke when he's beside me in outdoors, this still makes me uncomfortable as it hits me up the face so I just walk infront of him until he's finished. I've recently told him that under no circumstances is anyone allowed to smoke near our child, he said he's not silly and he wouldn't do so but he can't help if someone in his family does. (All of his family smoke, none of mine do) This has made me quite uncomfortable, that he would say he can't help it if they decide to smoke around our child? I made it quite clear to him that if I ever see his family or anyone else light a cigarette near our baby/child I will simply get up and leave and ask them not to do it in future. He then said he won't let them smoke BESIDE baby but nothing wrong with a few distance away. But he's not asking them to go outside in their own house, which I understand. This has just made me very wary as they always talk about babysitting and how excited they are to have a new baby in the house. I just don't trust that when I'm not there they'll follow what I'm saying surrounding smoking near baby. They already have a child in the house and they've been smoking near her since newborn days, was never an issue to them. So I'm scared. Been talking more to DP about this past few days and it's causing countless arguments. He's agreed he won't smoke around baby however he CAN smoke when taking baby walks in the pram as it's outdoor in the fresh air. I still disagreed to this and said absolutely not. He's now very angry and said if he can't smoke he's not taking the baby on pram walks. AIBU? As you can tell I'm severely anxious around smoking around a newborn/child, I just don't want my child inhaling it. I've read to much negatives around it, although I am aware the chances of something happening to my baby is low but it's not a chance I want to take. I've also said to DH I'd rather my child not know that he smokes until he's much older, so to hide that he does it for the first few years, he's also said no to this. I just don't want to teach my child NO to smoking but he sees his dad and family do it all the time? What would be the point? Ranting at this point, sorry. Just frustrated. Should I be more easy on DP? Am I over reacting? Be kind, I'm really anxious around the whole thing. Thanks so much. xxx

OP posts:
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PippaF2 · 08/04/2023 11:30

Yeah - the thing with smoking is, it's an addiction. Smokers need nicotine like they need air, so they will either leave the baby unattended to go outside, or stand in a doorway where the smoke will blow straight in anyway. Either way - unsafe.

You're right to say - no you're a smoker you can't babysit.

When my brother had his first kid, I was at University and smoked....quite rightly I was told the same and this was - about 20yrs ago now.

If smokers could just not smoke for several hours - it wouldn't be so hard to quit.....I say this as an ex-smoker!

Could you convince your DP to switch to vaping? Not as good as quitting altogether but far better than continuing to smoke.

GrandmaWins · 08/04/2023 11:37

Smokers need nicotine like they need air, so they will either leave the baby unattended to go outside

I don't see the issue with leaving the baby unattended (not a smoker). But as long as baby is asleep in a cot or in a rocking chair thing and you have a baby monitor to hear them then being in your back garden for 5 mins is hardly unsafe surely? I'd happily take a cup of tea out the back in nice weather while baby was having a short nap.

whynotwhatknot · 08/04/2023 11:41

im a smoker and even i think yanbu

i dont have dc btw-your child will inhale it off of his clothes and skin-i dont knwo what to suggest because of you split up he will take the baby round his inlaws i presume

B0g · 08/04/2023 11:50

exatkynwhat @5128gap said. It’s a barest of minimum, basic thing, yet your boyfriend has failed to educate himself and is actually doubling down on wanting to risk his child. What do you plan to do?

MrsSkylerWhite · 08/04/2023 11:53

GrandmaWins · Today 11:37
Smokers need nicotine like they need air

Disagree, it’s a choice.
I was a heavy smoker for years, full fat Marlboro, ashamed to say now upwards of 40 a day in stressful job.
Met my husband, a non-smoker. I cut down drastically, smoked on nights out with friends etc. but not at home because I respected his wishes. He tolerated it because he loved me but he told me in no uncertain terms would he bring a child into our relationship unless I gave up completely. So I did, because I wanted a child more than I wanted a cigarette.
It really isn’t that difficult when something else is your priority. I believe that most smokers perpetuate that myth because in reality they don’t really want to stop.

My stepdad has recently stopped after over 60 years. Told me he decided and just did. Said “no idea why I didn’t just do it years ago. I think I imagined it would be too difficult but honestly, it was pretty easy once I’d decided”.

PinkiOcelot · 08/04/2023 11:55

AlwaysGinPlease · 08/04/2023 09:20

I wouldn't have a baby with a smoker.

I couldn’t have actually dated anyone who smoked. It was a dealbreaker for me. Hate it.

YADNBU OP. Your DP is a selfish dick. Smoking means more to him than your child.

Carouselfish · 08/04/2023 12:01

DP stopped unless at work when dc1 born. He changed out of smokey clothes and washed when he got home too.
Tell him his addiction isnt as important as his child's increased risk of death.

WandaWonder · 08/04/2023 12:04

I am not sure what is worse a person who only smokes outside then goes near a baby or all the air freshener perfume, cleaning chemicals inside around a baby?

PippaF2 · 08/04/2023 12:05

GrandmaWins · 08/04/2023 11:37

Smokers need nicotine like they need air, so they will either leave the baby unattended to go outside

I don't see the issue with leaving the baby unattended (not a smoker). But as long as baby is asleep in a cot or in a rocking chair thing and you have a baby monitor to hear them then being in your back garden for 5 mins is hardly unsafe surely? I'd happily take a cup of tea out the back in nice weather while baby was having a short nap.

To a degree, yeah. But again, depending on how heavy a smoker - some people want a cigarette every 20 - 30 minutes - that's fairly average for a pack a day type smoker.

Each cigarette takes roughly 10 minutes. So they're going to be constantly 'stepping away', whether the baby is sleeping or not.

I doubt you drink 20 cups of tea in the garden everyday come rain, snow or high winds, from morning till night?

Stardustkid · 08/04/2023 12:06

I remember when I had DS the midwife told the whole ward that should a smoker hold the baby they should shower and change before handling baby after smoking. But everyone I know who has been brought up around smokers has lung problems myself included

BusterGonad · 08/04/2023 12:07

ActDottie · 08/04/2023 09:37

You knew he was a big smoker so I’m confused why this is an issue now? And not when you were planning to get pregnant? His smoking habit sounds disgusting tbh and I’d not let him or anyone smoke around the baby inside or outside. I’m surprised he hasn’t tried to give up the smoking since he found out you were pregnant?

I completely agree with this. Doesn't anyone actually discuss having kids anymore? The amount of threads on about things going wrong after the baby is born due to not actually talking about such a life changing thing. Madness. I'm sorry Op but you're having a baby with a man who can't be fucked to change his ways, and to be fair he never thought he'd have to. His family sound delightful too. It looks like you thought you coukd change him. I wouldn't be surprised about anything else that may come out the woodwork once the baby is here.

PippaF2 · 08/04/2023 12:09

MrsSkylerWhite · 08/04/2023 11:53

GrandmaWins · Today 11:37
Smokers need nicotine like they need air

Disagree, it’s a choice.
I was a heavy smoker for years, full fat Marlboro, ashamed to say now upwards of 40 a day in stressful job.
Met my husband, a non-smoker. I cut down drastically, smoked on nights out with friends etc. but not at home because I respected his wishes. He tolerated it because he loved me but he told me in no uncertain terms would he bring a child into our relationship unless I gave up completely. So I did, because I wanted a child more than I wanted a cigarette.
It really isn’t that difficult when something else is your priority. I believe that most smokers perpetuate that myth because in reality they don’t really want to stop.

My stepdad has recently stopped after over 60 years. Told me he decided and just did. Said “no idea why I didn’t just do it years ago. I think I imagined it would be too difficult but honestly, it was pretty easy once I’d decided”.

What's your point? Are you trying to say that nicotine isn't addictive and all smokers could just choose to stop?

Or are you arguing that all the OP's in-laws will choose to stop because of the baby?

Or are you saying all people are actually like you and will just stop smoking based on an ultimatium?

like where are you going with your point?

Jemandthehologramsunite · 08/04/2023 12:12

Don't let anyone smoke around the baby or even hold the baby if they have been smoking. It is really dangerous, as the smell/nicotine/whatever it is actually will make it difficult for your baby to breathe.

GoldenCagedBird · 08/04/2023 12:12

WandaWonder · 08/04/2023 12:04

I am not sure what is worse a person who only smokes outside then goes near a baby or all the air freshener perfume, cleaning chemicals inside around a baby?

I mean smokers will have all of those cleaning products in their house too, so I don’t really see what point your making

unless the smokers don’t clean their house?

I can’t say I’ve met any smokers who use only eco friendly, non toxin creating home cleaning projects either…it doesn’t really link up with what they are willingly putting in their lungs

but to answer your question: secondhand and third hand smoke

UndercoverCop · 08/04/2023 12:13

My mum smoked for more than 30 years, in similar circumstances to how your partner is suggesting. I hated it as a child but it was a lot more common back in the eighties.
As soon as she found out her first grandchild was in the way she quit, she knew more about the risks, feels terrible for what we were exposed to and went from twenty a day to nothing in six weeks.
He needs to prioritise the baby

MrsSkylerWhite · 08/04/2023 12:16

PippaF2

What's your point? Are you trying to say that nicotine isn't addictive and all smokers could just choose to stop?

Or are you arguing that all the OP's in-laws will choose to stop because of the baby?

Or are you saying all people are actually like you and will just stop smoking based on an ultimatium?

like where are you going with your point?”

My point, to that particular poster, was that smokers don’t “need nicotine like they need air”. It is a choice, whether you like it or not.

The question for OP’s husband is what’s more important to him, cigarettes or the health of his baby? It really is that simple.

SnackSizeRaisin · 08/04/2023 12:18

We have a few smokers in the family. For the one who smokes in the house I've been ok with very occasional short visits to their home (twice a year for an hour type thing) although if the person smoked while we're there I wouldn't want to go.

Another one smokes only outside and changes clothes, washes hands etc. That isn't so bad, he wouldn't be holding a newborn but it's not an issue for visiting the home once a month or so.

A third is a heavy vaper - I'm not keen on that around a new baby either, and if a toddler was to get hold of it they can be life threatening.

So none of these people were a big part of our children's lives, although we do still see them. I was especially worried about new babies. The risk is lower once they are 2 years or so.

In op's case I'd be asking dad to cut down or preferably give up, no smoking in the house or within sight of baby when outside, change clothes and wash hands each time. I wouldn't let the baby sleep in the same room as him either. I wouldn't go to anyone's house if they smoke indoors other than very occasional short visits. Definitely no babysitting.

The child's health has to be your number one priority. If it causes some upset then so be it. Unfortunately the child's father has rights too so you will have to tread carefully

Excited101 · 08/04/2023 12:28

Oh dear op, YANBU at all. What are the other red flags with him/your relationship? I’m fairly definite that this won’t be all.

I couldn’t be with him, I don’t think. I couldn’t watch this happening and be powerless to do anything about it. It’s really grim. I watched a friend’s DP nearly burn their child with a lit cigarette once. He ‘isn’t a smoker’ but joins in with friends sometimes- who cares if it’s round the kids eh, they were outside… it was a sunny day… nasty nasty nasty- I wish it would be banned.

FourPillars1 · 08/04/2023 12:28

YANBU at all. I'm genuinely surprised that there are people out there like your DP and family still! I don't know anybody who smokes anymore, let alone people who don't accept the risks to children.

Honestly - your DP doesn't have a choice. I wouldn't be letting any of his family look after the baby at all. You cannot expose baby to that.

PippaF2 · 08/04/2023 12:33

@MrsSkylerWhite it's a metaphor....

Nalupa · 08/04/2023 12:35

Honestly - your DP doesn't have a choice. I wouldn't be letting any of his family look after the baby at all. You cannot expose baby to that*

Difficult one. The only way to do that would be to leave him but he could still do as he wanted in regards to his family when kids are with him.

Newnamefor23 · 08/04/2023 12:39

Start as you mean to go on.

No smoking in the house period. They can go outside a closed back door but that’s it.

No smoking in the car - whether your child is in it or not.

Tell the extended family before hand, tell them that you are unlikely to visit, and definitely not stay over if their houses are smoky.

It’s not on to smoke round a child of any age and whilst some grow up unaffected a significant number don’t.

all the best.

WildFlowerBees · 08/04/2023 12:39

I don't understand how people can't know about second hand smoke and why anyone would put a baby (or anyone) at risk. Selfish and stupid.

Soproudoflionesses · 08/04/2023 12:41

Ugh this would massively give me the ick

Soproudoflionesses · 08/04/2023 12:46

And if he said he wouldn't take the baby out unless he could smoke then l would say that is on you, mate.
I HATE seeing babies in prams with a parent smoking l just think poor kid.