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Shaken Baby Prevention

What is Shaken Baby Syndrome?

It is an injury to a child’s brain as a result of child abuse. It is also called Abusive Head Trauma. It can be caused by direct blows, throwing a child, or shaking. The amount of damage depends on the amount of time and force of the trauma. One out of every 4 cases result in death.

  • Shaking a baby causes brain damage and can lead to blindness, mental problems, seizures or death.
  • Shaken Baby Syndrome is the leading cause of death in child abuse cases in the United States. It can occur up to 5 years of age, but the highest rate of cases happen at 6 to 8 weeks, when babies tend to cry the most.
  • The abusers in about 70% of cases are males. But anyone may hurt a baby if they don’t handle stress well or have poor impulse control or aggressive tendencies. Substance abuse can also play a role.
  • Normal play with a child, like lightly bouncing a baby or gently tossing a child in the air, will not cause these injuries.

What is the most common trigger for shaking a baby?

Crying is the most common reason for hurting a baby. It is important to know what is normal. Babies may spend up to 5 hours day crying. Your baby may cry more each week, peaking at 2 months. Crying can come and go without a reason. Your baby may cry more in the late afternoon or evening. Newborns may cry like they are in pain, even when they are not. A baby that will not stop crying can be upsetting, and you will need a plan to help you deal with it.

How can you keep your baby safe?

Use caution in choosing who your baby is left alone with. Review the risk factors listed above.
Have a plan for what to do when you feel upset with your baby. Finding safe ways to lower your stress when your baby will not stop crying is key for your baby’s safety. Discuss this plan with all of your baby’s caregivers.

Ways to lower your stress:

  • Look for chances to have time for you
  • Look for help outside your home
  • Take a parenting class or read about parenting skills
  • Remember that you do not have to be the perfect parent. Your main job is to keep your baby safe and cared for

What should I remember?

Your baby will stop crying, but the damage from trauma can last a lifetime. Try to lower your stress before getting to a point of being losing control. Have a plan of things to do when you get stressed, and follow your plan. If all else fails, lay the baby in a safe spot and walk away to take a break until you feel calm or can call someone for help.

Things to try when baby is crying:

  • Feed your baby
  • Check your baby’s diaper
  • Be sure your baby is not too warm or too cool
  • Softly pat or rub the baby
  • Rock or walk with your baby
  • Offer your baby a pacifier or noisy toy
  • Take your baby outside. Go for a walk
  • Wrap your baby snugly in a blanket
  • Babies like rhythmic noise. Turn on the stereo, run the vacuum cleaner or run water
  • Hold your baby close to your body and breathe calmly and slowly
  • Move your baby to a quiet room
  • Calmly lay your baby on their back in a safe place, such the crib. Walk away and check on your baby every ten minutes
  • Call someone for help or to take care of your baby so that you can take a break
  • Crying may be a sign of illness. You can call a doctor if you cannot stop the crying or calm your baby. Seek help right away if you suspect your baby has been injured