Shaken baby syndrome is a brain injury that occurs when someone strongly shakes a baby or throws a baby against an object. Children up to 5 years of age may suffer from it, but it is most common in babies younger than 1 year old.
When a baby is shaken or thrown, the head twists or whips back and forth. This can cause tears in brain tissue, blood vessels, and nerves. The child's brain slams against the skull, which can cause bleeding and swelling in the brain. Seizures, blindness, deafness, permanent brain damage, and even death can occur within hours of the injury. This form of child abuse typically does not leave a visible bruise or mark on the victim. It is diagnosed by MRI or other scan of the brain.
Bouncing a child on a knee or gently tossing a child in the air does NOT cause shaken baby syndrome.
Shaken baby syndrome often occurs when a baby won't stop crying and a caregiver becomes frustrated and loses control of his or her emotions.
Here are some tips to avoid shaking a crying baby.
- Put the baby down in a safe place and go into another room to calm down.
- Ask a trusted friend or relative to care for the baby while you take a break.
- Take some deep breaths or look out a window to calm down.
- Call a friend or a hotline and talk about your problem until you feel calm.
The message is clear: Never, never, never shake a baby.
