As many as one third of the victims of shaken Baby Syndrome die.  The survivors often suffer disabilities due to brain injury including:

• Blindness
• Paralysis
• Mental disabilities
• Growth and development problems
• Seizure disorders
• Some babies who are shaken also have broken ribs or arms from beng held tightly by the person donig the shaking.

How much shaking is dangerous?

Victims of Shaken Baby Syndrome have been violently shaken. Their injuries are at least as severe as that which would occur if an infant was dropped from a high building. Although it is unlikely that severe injuries would occur from tossing an infant in the air playfully or bouncing a small child on a knee, parents and caregivers should always consider the fragility of an infant's brain and the need to support the head and neck. Even minor injuries to a baby's brain can have life long consequences.

It is NEVER okay to shake a baby.

How can Shaken Baby Syndrome be prevented?

Providing information to parents about the care and normal development of infants is an essential element in the prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome. It is also important that parents and caregivers understand that the feelings of frustration they experience are common and very normal. Learning how to handle those feelings can be made easier through community education and support programs.

It is important that all caregivers know that SHAKING IS DANGEROUS. Parents should ensure that babysitters and daycare providers are informed and experienced.

Shaken Baby Syndrome Signs and Symptoms                                

•  Lethargy/Irritability                                                                                                            

• Seizures/Semi-Consciousness                                                                                                                                                                

• Blood Spots or Pooling Blood In The Eyes                                                                      

• Vomiting/ Constipation                                                                                                      

• Dilated Pupils and/or Decreased Appetite                                                                    

Take IMMEDIATE ACTION if you suspect a child has been shaken.

WHY DO BABIES CRY?

Crying is the only way babies have to tell us that they need something. They might need to eat, have their diaper changed, or be held. The baby could be too hot, too cold, or in pain. Sometimes babies cry because they need to release tension. Crying is normal, and the amount of time a baby spends crying varies with age, health, and temperament.

Why do parents and caregivers become FRUSTRATED and ANGRY?

A crying baby can be frustrating to parents and caregivers. Guess what! It is supposed to be. If crying were pleasant then it would be easy to ignore. Unfortunately it can be difficult to stop a crying baby. When a baby cries and is not easily consoled, the parent or caregiver may start to doubt his own ability to care for the baby. Lack of sleep and other life stresses can increase the feelings of helplessness and frustration. REMEMBER a crying baby is not misbehaving on purpose.

What can a parent or caregiver do?

Always stay calm. A frustrated/angry parent or caregiver will have a hard time getting a baby to settle down. If feeding, changing, walking, rocking, and cuddling have not worked; the baby should be gently placed in a safe location and allowed to "cry it out" for a few minutes. The parent or caregiver can use the time to relax and calm down before making another attempt to console the baby.

Coping with a crying baby:

• Make sure all of the baby's basic needs (food, diapering, appropriate clothing, etc.) are met.

• Offer the baby a pacifier.

• Take the baby for a walk in a stroller or a ride in a car.

• Walk baby around in a snuggly body carrier.

• Call a friend, relative, or neighbor to come over for support and/or to take care of the baby while you take a break.

• If all else fails, put the baby in a crib making sure the baby is safe. Close the door, and check on the baby every five minutes or so.

• Call a crisis hotline if you feel the situation is getting out of control.

CRISIS HOTLINES:

Childhelp USA 800-1 A CHILD

National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse (800-CHILDREN)