Each year thousands of young children suffer brain injury or die from being violently shaken. Children as old as five years are vulnerable to Shaken-Baby Syndrome (SBS), but infants between two and four months are especially at risk. Children under one account for one-third of reported physical abuse cases, with head trauma the most frequent cause of disability or death. Public education is needed to prevent Shaken-Baby Syndrome.
Approximately one shaken baby in four dies from injuries. Those who survive may suffer blindness caused by bleeding around the brain and eyes, disabling brain damage, including mental retardation or seizure disorder, and speech and learning disabilities. SBS is especially tragic because it stems from ignorance. Many people are unaware that shaking a baby is dangerous. Many people who inflict SBS are overwhelmed by the demands of child care.
Child care is no easy task. Newborns cry for an average of one to four hours a day. It is not surprising that the majority of SBS incidents occur when the infant is crying. Some people cannot tolerate their inability to control the infant's crying. The job of the child care provider is to soothe and comfort the baby, not to make the baby stop crying. Some believe if a baby won't stop crying, the baby is spoiled and needs to be physically disciplined. A cycle begins when a caregiver becomes annoyed and shakes the baby to get her to stop crying.
When parents and caregivers understand infant behavior and child development and learn effective stress management techniques, the occurrence of SBS and other abuses could be significantly reduced. Since the major indicator of SBS is a loss of control, caregivers who feel they are "losing it" should avoid touching the child. Instead, after making sure the baby is safe, leave the room briefly to cool down. Consider reasons why the baby might be crying, such as illness, hunger, wetness, uncomfortable, teething, or frightened. Try soothing techniques such as patting, holding, talking, or singing. When a baby's crying sounds unusual or excessive, contact a pediatrician.
Anyone can experience anger towards a baby. But if the impulse to shake or hit is strong and occurs often, call 1-800-422-4453, the Child Help U.S. National Child Abuse Hotline, for help. For further information on Shaken Baby Syndrome, visit The Shaken Baby Campaign Website