• Abusive Head Trauma/Shaken baby syndrome (SBS) is the name given to the physical abuse and injuries that occur when an infant or small child is violently shaken and or slammed.
• A syndrome is defined as a set of symptoms and physical findings that lead to a certain diagnosis.
• These injuries are virtually never seen unless violent whiplash shaking of the head has occurred. • 1700 – 3000 cases diagnosed each year• 0-3 cases in Vermont diagnosed yearly
Shaken Baby Syndrome Is NOT Caused By
• Tossing a child in the air
• Bouncing a baby on your knee
• Using a infant swing
• Falling or roughhousing
• Jogging with your baby
The Three Most Common Injuries Caused by Shaking
• Intracranial Bleeding- Bleeding on the brain
• Cerebral Edema- Massive brain swelling
• Retinal Hemorrhages- Bleeding inside the eye
Other Injuries Associated with Shaken Baby Syndrome
• Rib Fractures • Fractures Long Bones • Skull Fractures
Fractures are seen in less than 50% of the shaking victims
Rare to find external injuries- bruises
Long Term Effects
• Severe brain damage• Learning disabilities • Blindness• Paralysis • Seizures• Behavior disorders• Hearing impairments• Physical disabilities• Death 25% of all victims die50% live with life long Disabilities
What We Know About Babies
Smaller than Adults
Large Heads and Weak Neck Muscles
Underdeveloped Brain
Signs and Symptoms
• Vomiting• Irritable/fussy• Lethargic • Decreased appetite, weak
sucking• Increase crying
These symptoms be seen in infants and small children with other illnesses.
• Seizures
• Rigid posture
• Head or forehead appears larger, bulging soft spots
• Inability to focus eyes / pupil changes
• Decreased level of consciousness
• Difficulty Breathing
Victim Gender
60 % Male
40 % Female
Victim AgeMost victims of SBS are less than 1 year old
Majority being under 6 months of age
Cases of children up to 3 years of age
SBS Perpetrators• 70-80 % are young Males (18-28), with the most being the
biological father of the victim or the mother’s boyfriend.
• Even though the majority of SBS perpetrators are male, it would be very dangerous to assume that anyone is exempt!
Anyone who can become frustrated is capable of shaking a child.
There is no traditional profile .
One cannot look at socioeconomic status, education, history of drug use or abusive background to determine if one is likely to endanger a child by
shaking.
Inconsolable Crying• Resistant to soothing• After being fed, changed, burped, rocked • Inability of caregiver to cope with this frustration
that can lead to abuse behavior
All Babies Cry• Crying begins around 2 weeks, peeks at 2 months
and starts to decrease at 3-4 months• All babies cry, some more than others, and it’s OK• Remember it is not your fault, and don’t take it
personally!
Why Babies Cry
Hungry?
Tired?
Too Warm/Cold?
Wet?
Bored?
Sick?
Communicates Needs
Doesn’t know
Misses parent
Over stimulated
Ways to Soothe a Crying Baby
Play with your baby
Turn on music
Give him a bath
Go for a ride in car
Sing, dance, or go for a walk
Feed Baby
Change Diaper
Check Clothing
Try vacuuming
Put baby in Swing/Bouncer
Hint: No Baby has ever died from crying it is ok to let a baby cry!
Tips for Quieting A Crying Baby
Wrap the baby snugly in a warm, soft blanket and gently rub the baby’s back while lying on its side or tummy on your lap
Talk, sing, play music, turn on the vacuum or a static TV channel, or play with a noisy toy in front of the baby
Rock, dance or try a baby swing. Take the baby outside for some fresh air, a ride in the stroller or in the car in the car seat
Try feeding the baby, offering a bottle, breast, or try a pacifier
Give the baby a warm bath
Stay calm and speak softly to your baby
Sometimes these tips do not workPlace the baby on his back in a safe place like the crib and walk away if you are feeling frustrated or angry.
Give yourself and your baby a break. Check on the baby every 10-15 minutes.
Count to ten
Listen to music
Exercise
Watch TV
Call a friend, family member, or helpline
STRESS………..
Causes
Jobs, relationships, family,
responsibility, crying baby, bills, and just life.
Symptoms
Irritability, headache, fatigue, racing heartbeat, yelling, swearing, losing or gaining weight, feel like punching something?
Management
Stay healthy,walk away, exercise, listen to music, take deep breaths, find time for yourself, smile, call a friend and ask for help!
How Can We Keep Our Children Safe?
•Never leave your child with someone who may be stressed.
•Make sure your child’s caregiver knows it is never ok to shake your baby.
•Know your own limitations.
•Have a safety plan before you can no longer tolerate your child’s crying.
It is ok to let a baby cry.
A baby has never died from crying
NEVER SHAKE A BABY
In a few seconds of anger and frustration your life and child’s life could change forever!
It is never okay to shake a baby-serious injury or death can occur.
It is ok to let a baby cry!
A baby has never died from crying!
This program is generously supported by grants from:
Department of Disabilities, Aging and independent Living
Department for Children and Families
Department of Health