Shaken Baby Syndrome Facts
“Shaken baby syndrome (SBS) is the leading cause of death in abusive head trauma (AHT) cases. An estimated 1,200 to 1,400 children are injured or killed by shaking every year in the United States. Actual numbers may be much higher as many likely go undetected. Over 300 babies a year die from being shaken in the United States.” www.dontshake.org/sbs.php?topNavID=2&subNavID=10
“Shaking a young child has a different effect than it does with an adult, or even a ten-year-old. This is because a young child has a large, heavy head, weak neck muscles, and a brain that is still developing. The brain has not yet fully developed its outer protective layer, so it can be injured more easily. And, the space between the brain and skull is larger, so the brain can travel farther, gaining more speed before impact with the skull. Shaking a baby causes a whiplash effect. The brain strikes the inside of the skull as the baby’s head rapidly moves back and forth. The brain starts bleeding, causing pressure which damages the tissue. The result can be permanent brain damage. In other cases, shaking has damaged the spine or caused broken bones or dislocations. . .Shaking a young child can cause brain damage or spinal injuries that result in:
- Death
- Blindness
- Mental Retardation
- Seizures
- Learning Disabilities
- Cerebral Palsy
- Paralysis
www.sccstopchildabuse.org/baby.htm
Tips to Prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome[1]
People who shake their infants don’t mean to hurt them. Some shake babies to stop their crying, out of frustration or to play with him or her. But shaking can cause very serious injuries or death. So play it safe and practice these tips.
Never –
- Shake a baby
- Toss a baby or small child up in the air
- Spin a child around
- Let a child learning to walk, fall repeatedly
Always –
- Support baby’s head while holding, playing with or transporting him or her
- Hold and cuddle the baby often to express love
- Make sure anyone who handles your baby knows the dangers of shaking
- Go to a doctor immediately if you suspect the baby has been injured in a fall
When Baby Cries –
- Pick up the baby and comfort him or her
- Check the baby’s diaper and change it if wet or soiled
- See if the baby is too hot or too cold and make adjustments as necessary
- Burp the baby
- Feed the baby slowly and burp him or her often
- Offer the baby a pacifier
- Take the baby to a quiet room
- Hold the baby against your chest and walk or rock him or her
- Take the baby for a ride or put him or her in a baby swing
If the crying wears you out or upsets you, separate yourself from the baby for a while. Put the baby in a safe crib, leave the room and shut the door for a few minutes. If possible, ask someone you trust to take over comforting the baby. Then call someone to talk to or do something you find relaxing. If needed, seek professional advice from a medical professional.