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Safe Sleep - Parenting Clip

Safe sleep ABCs for baby

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.

The ABCs of safe sleep

Dr. 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.

Avoid these dangers:

Family bed rules

If the family chooses to co-bed, recognize there is an increased risk for serious injury or death to the infant. Families who bring their baby to bed for short periods must provide a safe space for them.

An adult bed should

Your baby's caregivers need to know and agree to follow your baby's sleep rules.

"As an emergency room physician, I see firsthand the devastating effects of unsafe sleep practices," says Dr. Krzmarzick. "We strongly recommend that infants do not co-bed."

If you have questions about baby’s safe sleep, talk to your pediatrician or family doctor. Other helpful resources are listed below. Visit kohlsminutes.childrensdayton.org for tips on keeping baby’s crib and playpen safe, and for a podcast on this and other health and safety topics.

About our expert

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.

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