MemorialCare - Your Guide to Postpartum and Newborn Care

Shaken Baby Syndrome

When you’re the parent of a new baby, there may be times when you feel very upset or even angry when your baby is crying. You may have tried everything to comfort them, but nothing seems to help. You’re not getting any sleep. You’re really frustrated.

Remember this: No matter how you feel…NEVER, EVER SHAKE YOUR BABY!

When a baby is violently shaken, it’s called Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS). A subset of Abusive Head Trauma (AHT), shaken baby syndrome is one of the leading forms of child abuse and extremely dangerous to a baby’s life and health. Frightening facts • Back and forth movement of baby’s head when shaken can cause bleeding and pressure on their brain • A baby’s neck muscles are not strong enough and their brain is too fragile to handle this vigorous motion • Many shaken babies die or have irreversible brain damage • Injuries to surviving babies can include: Vision problems or blindness Mental injury Paralysis Seizure disorders Learning and speech disabilities Neck and back damage

EXTREME WARNING

If you (or someone else) loses control and violently shakes your baby, call 911 or take the baby to the closest emergency room immediately! • Getting immediate treatment may save your baby’s life • Never let fear or shame keep you from doing the right thing

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Your Guide to Postpartum and Newborn Care