Q: How much force does it take?
A: Like most forms of child abuse, infant shaking usually occurs in private and without witnesses. Based on reenactments and medical studies, we know that shaken baby syndrome involves VIOLENT shaking, estimated at 2-4 shakes per second. The duration of shaking is highly variable--as little as 4 seconds or less, and as much as 20 seconds or more.

Sometimes the baby is flung against a hard object, such as a wall, or thrown onto a hard surface, such as a floor. Impact is a common feature in shaken baby syndrome cases.

Q: Who would do this to a baby?
A: Often the identity of the perpetrator is never known. Studies have found that 65-90% of perpetrators are males--many in their early twenties. In Central Massachusetts SBS cases, suspected and alleged perpetrators included parents, day care providers, babysitters, and relatives.

Q: What may trigger violent shaking?
A: Infant CRYING is the most frequent trigger of violent shaking. Other triggers are:

• toilet training


• feeding problems


• interrupting


• adjusting sleep schedule


• adults fighting

Q: What are SIGNS and SYMPTOMS to watch for?
A: A baby's unexplained unconsciousness or difficulty arousing a child might be a sign of serious abuse and should be investigated thoroughly and medical attention sought quickly. Other symptoms include:

• Lethargy


• Seizures


• Decreased muscle tone


• Reduced appetite


• Breathing problems


• Irritability/colicky


• Choking


• Vomiting


• Swelling of the child's head


• Pale or bluish skin


• Pooling of blood in baby's eyes


• Flu symptoms with no fever

Q: What are the DIAGNOSTIC INDICATORS of Shaken Baby Syndrome?
A: Violent shaking leaves telltale signs. Some or all of these indicators may be present, but often there are no outward visible signs of trauma.

• Subdural hematoma


• Retinal hemorrhage


• Retinal detachment


• Axonal shearing of brain tissues


• Cerebral edema


• Subarachnoid hemorrhages


• Fractures of ribs


• Bruises on arms, neck, rib area

Q: What are some MEDICAL OUTCOMES for SBS victims?
A: It is estimated that one shaken baby in four dies as a result of Shaken Baby Syndrome. An estimated 300 or more children die each year from violent shaking. Other medical outcomes include:

• Seizures


• Blindness


• Mental retardation


• Developmental delays


• Hearing loss


• Learning problems


• Paralysis


• Death

Sometimes the effects of violent shaking do not appear immediately.

Q: What can be done to prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome?
A: Like all forms of child abuse, Shaken Baby Syndrome is preventable. The Campaign is using these strategies to reduce the incidence of violent shaking in Central Massachusetts:


Teaching new parents about SBS in the six Worcester County birthing hospitals.

Improving parenting skills to cope with crying babies and young children.

Increasing public awareness of the dangers of shaking a baby or young child.

Informing medical personnel about SBS diagnosis and prevention.

Educating caregivers--especially babysitters and day care providers--about SBS and its prevention.

Supporting parents and relatives of children who have suffered from SBS.

Training investigators, attorneys, and law enforcement professionals.

Advocating for public policies to reduce death and diasbilities due to SBS.

Building a prevention platform for other types of child abuse and neglect.

Q: How can I help a parent or caretaker prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome?

A: You can alert parents about warning signs of Shaken Baby Syndrome:

Unable to turn head
Body pulls to one side
Difficulty in breathing
Seizures
Lethargic, hard to rouse
Dilated or pin-point pupils
Eyes don’t respond to light
Blood pooling in eyes


You can advise parents of how devastating shaking can be:

Irreversible brain damage
Blindness
Learning disabilities
Seizures
Death


You can tell a parent how Shaken Baby Syndrome may occur:

If the caretaker is alone with the child
If the caretaker is frustrated with the child’s crying
If the caretaker sees the child’s crying as deliberate
If the caretaker sees the child’s crying as defiance

For the child, crying is the only way the baby can communicate
The child cannot protect him/herself against violent assault


You can ask the parent about the child’s caretakers:

Are they able to control their temper?
Are they able to keep their self-control?
Can they pay full attention to the baby?
Can they handle a baby who is difficult to comfort?
Can they handle a baby who is demanding, crabby, or annoying?
Do they understand that babies don’t do things on purpose to
make caretakers angry?


You can remind caretakers and parents to:

Get enough sleep
Stay sober
Stay healthy
Seek help for depression

When babies cry, you can remind parents to check:

Is the baby sick?
Does the baby seem to have a fever?
Does the baby need to feel close?
Is the baby hungry?
Does the baby need to be burped?
Does the baby need to suck?
Does the baby need to be changed?
Does the baby seem cranky—overtired or overstimulated?
Does the baby just need to cry?


You can advise caretakers how to soothe a crying baby:

Rock the baby
Walk with the baby
Swaddle the baby
Play some music
Rub the baby’s back
Give the baby a pacifier
Read to the baby
Leave a soft light on in the baby’s room
Take the baby for a ride in the car

You can urge the parent to get help if nothing works!

Get someone to keep company
Telephone a friend, ask for help
Call a Hotline for help.

And when all else fails, you can advise the parent:

LET THE BABY CRY
PUT THE BABY DOWN IN A SAFE PLACE.
CHECK THE BABY AT INTERVALS
TAKE A BREAK. FIND A QUIET PLACE.
CALL 1-800-632-8188 24 HOUR HOTLINE FOR PARENTS
NEVER YELL AT, HIT, OR SHAKE A BABY!

Q: How can I learn more about Shaken Baby Syndrome?
A: The information on these pages is intended to get you started. If you have questions related to medical diagnosis, treatment, symptoms or outcomes, you should speak with a physician or medical expert.

There are many excellent websites containing detailed information about SBS. To see some of these resources on our Links Page, CLICK HERE.


To learn more about infant crying and SBS, CLICK HERE.

For some tips on infant crying, CLICK HERE.









NEVER, EVER, SHAKE A BABY!