Shaken Baby Syndrome

[Shannon Knight "Dreamcactcher"]

What is Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS)?

• SBS is the injury to an infant, toddler or young child resulting from being shaken violently.

• SBS can occur when a child receives as few as three (3) rapid shakes; head impact is not necessary although frequently occurs.

• SBS injuries can include: brain damage, blindness, seizures, speech and learning disorders including mental retardation, cerebral palsy, damage to neck vertebrae and spinal cord resulting in severe motor dysfunction, paralysis, and death.

Why does it happen?

• A baby’s head is 15% of its body weight, compared with 2-3% for an adult. A baby's brain tissue is softer. In addition, the protective tissue that surrounds the brain only begins to form at birth.

• Even when caregivers, well-intentioned parents and babysitters become angry, enraged and lose control, this serious form of child abuse too often arises.

• Caregivers may be inadequately prepared for parenting, or may be under such stress that they cannot deal with the frustrations of parenting.
Advice

Tips for Parents and Caregivers:

Parents and caregivers can plan ahead to deal with crying babies, frustrated feelings, and toddler misbehavior.

If you are feeling stress when you are with your baby, you are not alone.

• SKWAK! Safe Kid, Walk Away
If a caretaker gets angry at a child, they need to be sure the baby is safe and then walk away. “Get a grip before you grip.”

• COUNT TO TEN AND CALL A FRIEND
Take time to breath, find as support system, or call the 24-hour Childhelp® National Abuse Hotline®

1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453)

All calls are FREE and CONFIDENTIAL. Our counselors will guide you through this stressful and challenging time.

*There are many free parenting support groups in most communities. Our Hotline can provide referrals.

• Check to see if there is something you can djo to relieve the baby's crying, such as feeding, changing a diaper, relieving physical discomfort.

• Know your caregiver. Leave your baby with someone you trust during stressful times.


• IF BREATHING HAS STOPPED, never rouse a baby by shaking him; rather, pat him/her and call out to him/her. If needed, phone 911 or emergency assistance.

• AVOID SWINGING AND BOUNCING WILDLY.

Remember, no matter how upset you feel, NEVER NEVER NEVER SHAKE YOUR BABY!!!!
Statistics

• One out of every 3-4 shaken babies (25-33%) dies from injuries, usually within hours or days. Of survivors, only 15% escape permanent damage.

• Young males: fathers and mom’s boyfriends account for 67% of SBS. Paid caregivers account for 14%, mothers 9%.

• The problem occurs in families of all races, incomes and educational levels.

• SBS most often occurs prior to age one and seldom occurs after 2, though may occur to age 6 if extreme violence is used. Infants 2-4 months are most at risk.

• Twins are at higher risk than singletons to receive a shaking assault.

• Guilty caregivers may weave a trivial story of a fall or minor mishap into their story to try to cover their tracks.

Common Symptoms of Shaken Baby Syndrome:
• Lethargy / decreased muscle tone
• Extreme irritability
• Decreased appetite, poor feeding or vomiting for no apparent reason
• Grab-type bruises on arms or chest

• No smiling or vocalization
• Poor sucking or swallowing
• Rigidity or posturing
• Difficulty breathing
• Seizures
• Head or forehead appears larger than usual or soft-spot on head appears to be bulging
• Inability to lift head
• Inability of eyes to focus or track movement or unequal size of pupils