There is a direct correlation that exists between smoking during pregnancy and the increased incidence of premature rupture of membranes, preterm labor, placenta abruption and stillbirth. Behavioral effects on infants of smoking mothers, determined by developmental testing, are noted as long as 8 months after birth. Nicotine restricts breathing movements of the mother. Second-hand smoke increases the risk of respiratory problems in infants and children. Smoking cigarettes contributes to yellowing of the teeth.
More infants die every year in accidents involving cribs than with any other nursery product.
Thousands of infants are injured seriously enough to require treatment in hospital emergency rooms. Make sure there is no soft bedding underneath your baby. Never place your infant to sleep on an adult bed, water, or bunk bed. Infants up to 18 months can suffocate in their sleep when their bodies or faces become wedged between the mattress and bed frame or the mattress and wall. Never put a crib, child bed, or furniture near window blinds or drapery.