The crying…the sleepless nights…the constant diaper changes…caring for a baby is a lot of work! Sadly, frustration and fatigue can push some caregivers to their limit, leading them to physically hurt their babies.
Keep Calm if the Crying Carries On
Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) is the leading cause of child abuse death in the United States, with one out of four shaken babies dying as a result. Babies under the age of 1 year (especially those 2 to 4 months of age) are at greatest risk for SBS because they tend to cry often and longer than older, larger children. However, Shaken Baby Syndrome injuries have been reported in children up to age 5.
Shaking a baby in a moment of frustration can cause a lifetime of problems. Babies have heavy heads and weak neck muscles, so even a few seconds of forceful shaking can cause serious damage. When a child is shaken, the head jerks back-and-forth causing the brain to slam against the inside of the skull. This shaking can lead to many different injuries, including brain damage and even death.
WHAT CAN HAPPEN IF A BABY IS SHAKEN?
| Right Away: | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Breathing may stop or become irregular | Heart may stop | Extreme irritability | Limp arms and legs |
| Decreased level or complete loss of consciousness | Vomiting | Seizures | Pain and uncontrollable crying |
| Decreased appetite, or vomiting for no reason | Poor sucking or swallowing | Change in sleep pattern or can’t be awakened | Head or forehead appears larger than usual or soft-spot on head appears to be bulging |
| Not able to lift head | Not able to focus eyes or track movement | Unequal size of pupils | Death |
| In the Future: | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Learning disabilities | Developmental delays | ||
| Physical disabilities | Blindness | ||
| Loss of hearing | Speech disabilities | ||
| Cerebral Palsy | Seizures | ||
| Behavior disorders | Death | ||
If you think a baby has been shaken, take the child to the hospital immediately. This could be the difference between life and death.
STOP. CALM DOWN. GET HELP.
You knew your baby would cry…but you never imagined how frustrating that crying would become when you can’t get it to stop. After trying everything — with no success — to calm and comfort your baby, you may feel like you’re about to lose your cool. DON’T. Shaking, throwing, hitting, or hurting a baby in any way is NEVER okay. If the crying overwhelms you, stop, calm down, and get help.
Keeping Your Cool
- To calm your crying baby, try:
- Picking them up
- Rubbing their back
- Gently rocking them
- Singing or talking to them
- Making funny faces to make them smile
- Offering a pacifier or toy
- If you’re still having trouble calming the crying, try the following:
- Check for signs of discomfort like tight clothing, a wet diaper, or being too hot or too cold
- Look for cues your baby is hungry or needs to be burped
- Take them to a quiet room
- Take a walk with your baby using a stroller
- Safely put your baby in an infant swing
- Call the doctor if you think your child may be sick
- If you find yourself pushed to the limit, take a minute to calm yourself down:
- Breeeeathe. Slowly inhale through your nose for 5 seconds, then slowly exhale through your mouth. Repeat.
- Give yourself a short break. Lay your baby in a crib on their back, go to another room, then go back to check on them after 5 to 10 minutes.
- Get rid of stress by running in place for a few minutes or doing a few jumping jacks.
- Call a friend, relative, neighbor, parent, or helpline for support.
- Find time to take care of yourself. Eat a variety of healthy foods, drink plenty of water and try to get in a little daily physical activity. Although it may not always be easy, make sleep a priority.
- Reach out to WIC for support — they are there to help!
Remember, if you’ve done all you can do and you’re still not able to calm your baby, it’s not your fault, nor your baby’s. You are not a bad parent or caregiver. Take a deep breath…things will get easier!
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline
1-800-4ACHILD
This 24-hour crisis hotline offers support, information, literature, and referrals.
