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WHAT IS SHAKEN BABY SYNDROME? Every year, thousands of babies and young children suffer from brain damage, blindness or death as a result of Shaken Baby Syndrome.
Infants and young children are more susceptible to SBS because their heads are disproportionately large in relation to their bodies, and their shoulders and neck muscles are weak and underdeveloped. When
a young child is shaken, the head whips back and forth, slamming the
brain against the hard skull, causing bruising, bleeding and swelling
inside the brain. PREVENTING SHAKEN BABY SYNDROME NEVER, EVER SHAKE A BABY! Even a brief moment of shaking can lead to death or permanent brain damage. Don't trust yourself to stay in control if you begin to feel frustrated. Whatever you're doing, IMMEDIATELY upon sensing you are losing control, put the baby in a safe place-- in a crib, even on the floor -- and go to another room until you feel calm. Count to 100, listen to relaxing music, go into the bathroom, take shower or do some busy work or housework. Also, learn what to do if your baby won't stop crying. Read the part below about 'What To Do When the Baby Won't Stop Crying." Copy these tips down from this page and hang them up where you can see it, or if you have a printer, print out these tips and post them. Make sure everyone who cares for your child understands the dangers of Shaken Baby Syndrome. This includes family members, friends, caregivers and other children who may hurt the baby in rough play. RECOGNIZING
SHAKEN BABY SYNDROME It's important to be aware of the signs of SBS. If a child is a victim of SBS, it is CRITICAL that he or she get medical attention immediately. If you take care of young children, copy or print out the 'Signs of Shaken Baby Syndrome' below and post them in a place visible to you and other adults. Quick medical attention can lessen the damaging effects of SBS. If the brain is damaged or bleeding, it will get worse withour treatment. Be sure to tell the pediatrician or doctor that you suspect Shaken Baby Syndrome. SIGNS OF SHAKEN BABY SYNDROME If a child has been shaken, he or she may exhibit ANY OR ALL of the following symptoms: •
Lethargy or unconsciousness WHAT TO DO WHEN THE BABY CRIES If you have a plan for dealing with crying, you can reduce the chance that your frustration may cloud your better judgment in the heat of the moment. Copy or print out the tips below and hang them in a place where it will help you and whoever else cares for your child. 1. ASK FOR HELP. Find someone you trust to take care of the baby while you take a break. 2. LEAVE THE ROOM. Lay the baby in a crib, on the floor or in a safe place while you take a break. Count to 100, run the vacuum cleaner or put on headphones and listen to music. 3. WHAT WORKS BEST for you and your baby? Write it down. And just remember this simple sentence: NEVER, EVER SHAKE A BABY! FOR MORE For more information about preventing maltreatment and abuse, visit the Publications Center on the Prevent Child Abuse at: http://www.preventchildabusewv.org/publications.php
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Shaken
Baby Syndrome (SBS) results from the vigorous shaking of an infant or
young child by the shoulder, arms or legs. A single shaking episode
usually results in whiplash-induced bleeding in and around the brain
and can lead to death or permanent neurological damage.
