Should children and babies be allowed to be near smokers?

No,if possible: Other people's smoke is nearly as bad as smoking. Unfortunately smoking is still so common that it may not always be possible. Make every effort without being rude.

Yes: Passive smoking in a babies proximity increases their frequency of respiratory disease & ear infections by 3x. When smokers care for a baby, the smell on their hair/cloths/body will increase these by 2x. Babies who grow up in a household with smokers are much more likely to become one.