| A baby shaken in a moment of anger or frustration is shaken with a force 5 to 10 times greater than if the baby had fallen or been dropped. The force has been compared to an adult being shaken by a gorilla.
The effects of shaking a baby can be tragic. You can help prevent a baby from being shaken by following these steps:
- Provide head and neck support.
- Don’t toss a baby into the air.
- Choose childcare providers carefully.
- Observe how a caregiver plays with children, and reacts to fussiness and crying.
- Discuss with your baby’s caregivers, family and friends what to do if your baby cries.
- Be available to your baby’s caregiver if they start to feel overwhelmed.
- Take a parenting class. Call your local hospital or ask your child’s doctor for information.
Parenting is a tough job. If you are having a difficult time dealing with the stress of caring for a baby, talk to someone about it (i.e., another parent, caregiver or the child’s doctor).
If you or someone else shakes a baby, call 911. Bleeding inside the brain can be treated. Immediate medical attention may save the child from future problems…and possibly save a baby’s life. |
