Risk of SIDS to baby if second hand pram has been smoked on?

[ceolas]

I posted in the ebay section about buying a pram .

It's in A1 condition apart from it stinking of fag smoke.

Having just spent a large part of the day trying to wash the smell out of the fabrics, it has been suggested that there would be a risk of SIDS.

How would you feel about this and is there any evidence about stale smoke on fabrics?

I feel quite sick

no idea, but get a new mattress?

Have you tried to get a refund?

Yes, I think she was referring to the surrounding fabrics though.

I feel extremely sorry for the baby that was in that pram befor eyou bought it

Quootiepie, I haven't said anything about it as she didn't put smoke free on the listing and it never crossed my stupid mind to ask.

TBH I would not buy a pram/cot/mattress that smelt of smoke.

I don't know if there is a scientific risk, but I would always worry about it.

colditz, I have been thinking about that all day.

or just sell it again on ebay, try and recoup what you've spent. there will be buyers out there who smoke themselves so would not be put off if it still smells a bit

Sorry, I thought you were going to sell it!

Very sorry for you, what a disappointment. Did you pay much for it?

I paid £100 which in the big pram scene is not a lot, but more than we can afford to lose.

Any more opinions?

I have been trying to find out for how long cigarette smoke is toxic, in relation to SIDS, but can't find anything.

Can you leave it out in the garden during the day if the weather is nice and see if the fresh air helps?

My pram was stinking when I got it as a hand me down from my sister. It wasn't smoke but had coffee stains and general grub.
Most prams will let you take all the covers off, ours was a mamas and papas and we had to unscrew a few things but we got them all off and soaked them in the bath overnight and then washed them twice.

Have you tried leaving it to soak in washing powder? Let your kids trample it as well...my mum did ours as I was heavily pregnant but it looked like fun...

There's no evidence for an increased risk of SIDS where the baby doesn't actually come into contact with smoke. Even where the parents smoke, the risk is only very small as long as they don't smoke near the baby.

I imagine it'll dissapear after while if left outside/in the garage though.

I would be more worried about the baby of the original owner of that pram.

I think if you give the pram a good wash, and stick it outside for a couple of days, it will be fine.

Ceolas - just wait until a warm day, grab a bucket of hot and soapy water and give it a good scrubbing. A bit of bicarb in the water is a great way of getting rid of unwanted smells.

As much as I understand your need to worry - I don't think there is any actual reason to worry in this instance.

To be brutally honest - I'd be more worried about the leftovers from the previous occupant (nappy accidents, snot, posset) and would be giving it an extra special scrubbing on this basis.