The Kohl's A Minute for Kids campaign is a way for Kohl's Department Stores and Dayton Children's to bring health, safety and prevention information to children and families in the region.
Safety through the ages…Learn how to use developmental concepts to better protect your toddler. Safety through the ages…Learn how to use developmental concepts to better protect your toddler.
Expert: Eileen Kasten, MD, developmental pediatrician Learn more
If your child is using a cell phone to text, make sure he or she understands the dangers of texting and “sexting.”
Expert: Greg Ramey, PhD, child psychologist Learn more
Countdown to good health 5 – 2 – 1 – 0. Learn how taking small “bites” toward good health can lead to big gains.
Expert: James Ebert, MD, lead physician, lipid clinic Learn more
This year’s flu season—with the seasonal flu and H1N1—is expected to be a long one. Learn how to best prevent the flu.
Expert: Sherman Alter, MD, infectious disease Learn more
When cleaning your house, it’s important to use products and methods to minimize asthma triggers.
Expert: Belinda Huffman, respiratory therapist, pulmonary medicine Learn more
With active kids, a hard “bonk” on the head is common. When is it more than just a “bonk?”
Expert: Laurence Kleiner, MD, pediatric neurosurgeon Learn more
Parents can sleep a little easier if they follow the ABCs of safe sleep.
Nearly one child a month dies in Montgomery County alone because of unsafe sleep practices, according to the county’s Child Fatality Review Board.
"A tragic sleep accident could happen to any family, so do everything possible to try to prevent one," says Thomas Krzmarzick, MD, medical director of the Regional Pediatric Trauma and Emergency Center at Dayton Children’s.
Dr. Krzmarzick points out that while there is no single sleep space that can guarantee a baby will be risk-free, there are ways to reduce the risk.
Krzmarzick says that parents should be familiar with the ABCs of safe sleep:
"One of the most important things for parents and caregivers to remember is to be responsible for their baby’s sleep safety," says Dr. Krzmarzick. He and other staff in Dayton Children’s Trauma and Emergency Center have seen firsthand what can happen when babies share a sleep space with an adult.
Krzmarzick says that safe cribs start around $100, but that if buying a crib is not possible, a playpen would work too. However, playpens should be completely bare, just as a crib should be.
Krzmarzick also says that a safe sleep environment is still needed after the baby is 1 year old. This includes keeping strings and cords or heavy objects that the baby could grab or push over away from the crib. In addition, cribs should not be placed near windows.
"One of the most important things for parents and caregivers to remember is to be responsible," says Krzmarzick.
"A tragic sleep accident could happen to any family, so do everything possible to try to prevent one."
"As an emergency room physician, we see first hand the devastating effects of unsafe sleep practices," says Dr. Krzmarzick, "We strongly recommend that infants do not co-bed."
If the family chooses to co-bed, recognize there is an increased risk for serious injury or death to their baby. Families who bring their babies to bed for short periods must provide a safe space for them.
If you have questions about baby’s safe sleep, talk to your pediatrician or family doctor. Other helpful resources are listed below.
Thomas Krzmarzick, MD, is medical director of the Regional Pediatric Trauma and Emergency Center. Dr. Krzmarzick is also a clinical assistant professor of pediatrics and emergency medicine at Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine. He is board certified in pediatrics and pediatric emergency medicine. He earned his medical degree at the University of Iowa School of Medicine. Dr. Krzmarzick completed his pediatric residency at Children’s Hospital Medical Center in Cincinnati, where he was also chief resident in pediatrics. Dr. Krzmarzick has been the medical director of the emergency department at Dayton Children’s since 1999.