Shaken Baby Syndrome

Please review this Shaken Baby Syndrome FAQ published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Newborn to 4-month-old babies are at greatest risk of injury from shaking. Most cases occur when baby is 3 to 8 months.

DISCUSS WITH PARENTS

  • Please discuss the below tips for soothing baby when she cries. What's already working? A pacifier, massage, specific food, etc.

  • Please discuss baby’s current schedule with the parents. When does baby usually eat, nap, play, etc?

    Maintaining a regular schedule will help keep the child in a good mood, reducing stress on the caregiver as well.

Preventing Shaken Baby SyndromE

Traumatic brain injury may occur when an adult violently shakes a baby in frustration. Here are tips to soothe a crying baby. 

Meet the child's basic needs first!

  • feed baby if she’s hungry

  • lay baby down for a nap if she’s sleepy

  • change baby's diaper if needed

  • make sure the baby is not sick

  • make sure the room temperature is comfortable for baby

  • burp the baby if needed (lay child on back and gently “bicycle” the legs to remove gas pain)

After you have met the child's basic needs, try the following:

  • make direct eye contact and smile

  • gently speak directly to the crying child; use kind, positive words

  • gently stroke baby's forehead with your fingertips

  • take the baby for a walk

  • offer a pacifier

  • gently rock and/or sing to the baby

  • IF NOTHING ELSE WORKS, make sure your baby is safely in her crib or Pack 'n Play and let her spend a few minutes alone (but still under your supervision or the parent’s supervision).

SAFETY TIPS

  • always support the baby's head (never toss or bounce a 2-month-old during playtime)

  • maintain consistency in the baby's schedule

  • don’t share negative thoughts about crying in front of baby; this may increase the child's stress

  • provide child with a stimulating environment, but not over-stimulating

  • provide child with an environment that is safe, but not overly restrictive

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