Vaping Around Babies... Is It Safe?

Vaping has become the go-to for many adults trying to move away from traditional cigarettes on their smoke-free journey. But what happens when little ones are around? If you’re a parent, carer, or someone who spends time with babies or toddlers, it’s natural to wonder: Is it safe to vape near children?

Let’s break it down.

Can You Vape Around a Baby?

Short answer? It’s strongly discouraged.

Although vaping is considered less harmful than smoking, it’s not risk-free, especially when it comes to babies. UK health bodies, including the NHS, advise against vaping near infants and young children. Why? Because although vapour from e-cigarettes contains far fewer harmful substances than cigarette smoke, it can still carry nicotine and other particles that little lungs are better off avoiding.

So, even if you’re not puffing away on a cigarette, your baby could still be exposed to airborne substances, and their developing bodies are more vulnerable to harmful chemicals. Avoiding vaping around your baby is always advised.

Secondhand Smoke vs. Thirdhand Exposure

We all know about secondhand smoke, but secondhand vapour is its own thing. It’s what others around you breathe in when you exhale vapour from an e-cigarette. Like second hand smoke, secondhand vapour does contain some harmful chemicals, and although it dissipates faster than smoke, it’s not just water vapour. It may contain traces of nicotine, flavourings, and other compounds.

Then there’s thirdhand exposure. This is the stuff that settles on clothes, furniture, and even your hands after vaping. Babies, being the curious little explorers they are, touch everything, and they often put it straight in their mouths. That means they could come into contact with residue long after you’ve finished vaping.

Vaping Products: What Parents Need to Know

When it comes to vaping products, parents need to be extra vigilant. While e-cigarettes don’t actually produce tobacco smoke like traditional cigarettes, they can still release some chemicals into the air.

Vaping devices such as vape pens often contain nicotine, along with other chemicals. Even though you might not see or smell most secondhand vapour, it can still carry potentially harmful chemicals that linger in your home or family car, for example. For babies and children, whose immune systems and lungs are still developing, exposure to these substances can increase the risk of pneumonia and bronchitis, coughs, asthma, chest infections, and other health issues.

It’s not just about the air they breathe. Passive smoking and secondhand smoke from smoking cigarettes or tobacco smoke can also settle on surfaces, toys, and clothing, making it easy for little ones to come into contact with harmful toxins.

To protect children from these health risks, you’ll want to keep your home and car smoke-free. The best way to reduce your child’s exposure to nicotine and other harmful chemicals is to stop smoking and avoid vaping around them altogether. If you’re finding it tough to stop smoking or break your nicotine habit, don’t hesitate to reach out to a health professional or your local stop smoking service (more info here). They can offer nicotine replacement therapy, smoking cessation support, and practical advice tailored to your needs.

Remember, even if you can’t see or smell it, most secondhand smoke and vapour can still pose a threat to your child’s health. By staying informed about vaping products and making your environment as smoke free as possible, you’re taking important steps to protect your child’s health.

Potential Health Considerations

Here’s what experts have flagged when it comes to young children and vapour exposure:

• Nicotine sensitivity: Babies are far more sensitive to nicotine than adults. Even low-level exposure may have an impact on development.
• Respiratory irritation: Vapour can be an irritant, especially for developing lungs. Babies and young children have less well developed airways, making them more vulnerable to respiratory effects.
• E-liquid safety: These often come in sweet, fruity flavours that appeal to kids, so safe storage is a must. A curious toddler could easily mistake a vape liquid bottle for a treat. Accidental ingestion of liquid nicotine can be extremely dangerous, so it is vital to keep all nicotine products out of reach of children.

Even nicotine free vaping products contain some chemicals that may affect children’s health.

Although these aren’t definitive long-term risks, they’re enough to raise concern and prompt extra caution.

What Does the NHS Recommend?

The NHS suggests creating vape-free environments in homes and cars, especially when children are around. It’s also a good idea to vape outdoors whenever possible and never do so in enclosed spaces shared with little ones.

And if you’re thinking about quitting altogether? The NHS offers plenty of support for that, too.

How to Keep Things Safe at Home

• Vape outdoors, away from children and open windows.
• Wash your hands after vaping, especially before handling babies.
• Store all products securely, out of sight and reach.
• Inform other carers and visitors about your household vaping rules.

Final Thoughts

Vaping might be a better choice for adult smokers looking to switch, but when it comes to children, and especially babies, extra care is needed. It's not about judgement, it's about creating a safe space for little lungs to thrive.

Curious about responsible nicotine use? Explore more insights at FREESMO.co.uk.