What is What happens Signs and Symptoms Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS)? when a child is shaken? of Shaken Baby Syndrome When anyone shakes a baby or young child, When a baby or young child is violently • Extreme irritability the brain and body are seriously injured. shaken, the head rolls back and forth, • Baby is very stiff or like a rag doll Some children die from this type of abuse. causing his or her brain to hit the skull. This • Lethargy causes swelling and bleeding of the brain – • Seizures even the eyes can bleed. • Not eating or poor appetite Why does SBS happen? • Dilated pupils Most people who shake a baby in their It only takes a few seconds of shaking to • Feeding problems care are not trying to hurt the child. They cause permanent damage to a child. • Difficulty breathing may become frustrated by nonstop crying, Shaking can result in: • Vomiting difficulty feeding a baby, or problems toilet • Permanent brain damage • Blood spots in eyes training. Outside stresses like money, work, • Blindness If you think your child has been shaken, or personal relationships can add to this • Seizures call 911 or bring your baby to the nearest frustration. Adults may get so upset that they • Cerebral palsy emergency room immediately. Getting lose control and shake the baby. • Paralysis medical attention right away could save your It is important to understand that crying is • Developmental disability child’s life. normal! Crying is how babies communicate. • Death (1 in 4 die) They may be too hot or cold, want attention, What can I do be tired or How can I prevent hungry, or Caring for a baby is stressful! to make my baby stop crying? It is normal to feel frustrated and these injuries? need a diaper All babies cry a lot during the first few overwhelmed sometimes. If you • Never, ever shake a child. change. If months of life. Crying does not mean that get upset, there are things you can • Make sure that everyone your baby is your baby is being bad or that your do for yourself and the baby that who cares for your child crying, check baby is angry with you. Sometimes, can help you cope. knows not to shake him all of these babies just need to cry. things first. or her. Anyone may shake a child, • Learn what to do even a mother, father, or babysitter. when your Make sure to share this important baby cries. information on Shaken Baby Syndrome with anybody who cares for your child. To calm a crying baby: To Report Child Abuse • Check to see if your baby is hungry, or Maltreatment never is too hot or too cold, or needs a in New York State Call: diaper change. • Check to see if your baby is sick or New York State ever has a fever. Child Abuse and Maltreatment • Feed your baby slowly and burp often. Reporting Center (800) 342-3720 • Rock your baby. Child Abuse Support and Resource Centers: shake • Give your baby a pacifier or let your baby breastfeed. Prevent Child Abuse • Play soft music, sing or hum to New York Parent Helpline (800) 244 -5373 a baby your baby. (Trained specialist available • Take your baby for a ride in a car 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., voicemail or stroller. available after hours) National Center on If nothing seems to work: Shaken Baby Syndrome (801) 447-9360 • Put the baby in his or her crib with the sides up, close the door, and walk away. • Do something to relax: take a bath or shower, watch Share the information in this brochure with TV, listen to music. anyone who cares for your baby. Let them • Sit down, close your know that it is okay to ask for help, and that eyes, and take deep they should call you if they get frustrated. breaths. • Call a friend or family member to talk. • Have someone come over to

give you a break. Follow us on: health.ny.gov facebook.com/nysdoh No baby has ever died from crying – twitter.com/HealthNYGov it is better to let babies cry than to risk youtube.com/nysdoh Shaken Baby hurting them! 3192 4/15 Syndrome