Never shake a baby

Shaken baby syndrome is a condition that occurs
when a baby is shaken violently. Shaking is a form of child abuse that
can have devastating effects.When someone forcefully shakes a
baby, the child's head rotates about the neck uncontrollably, because an
infant's neck muscles aren't well developed and provide little support
for their head. This movement causes the infant's brain to move back and
forth within the skull, sometimes rupturing blood vessels and nerves in
the brain and tearing the brain tissue. The brain may strike the inside
of the skull, causing bruising and bleeding to the brain.
Shaken baby syndrome can cause damage to a child's brain, permanent
disabilities, like blindness or paralysis and even death. Children less
than one year old are at risk the most because they cry often. However,
older children can also be seriously injured if they are shaken
violently.Dealing with a crying baby can be very hard, and parents
often don't realize just how frustrating it is until they are in a
stressful situation. No one thinks they will shake their infant, but
research shows crying as the number one trigger leading caregivers to
violently shake and injure babies.Try to arrange for regular
childcare relief so you can get some rest. Find a friend, family member
or someone else you trust who can look after your baby for a break. If
people that you trust offer help, accept it. Know your caregiver. Never
leave your child with someone you don't trust.There are things
you can do if you are becoming extremely frustrated or angry and feeling
overwhelmed. Some suggestions are: place your baby safely in the crib,
take a time out and leave the baby's room for a few minutes; take slow
and deep breaths; say no a few times loudly, or count to 10, 20 or 30;
listen to gentle music or nature recordings; cry; take a shower. Talk to
a friend, family member, neighbor, or anyone else you trust, and get
some support.If you ever feel you may hurt your baby, call for help by
contacting your local crisis line, child welfare agency, or police.Some
common signs that a baby may have been shaken are: unusual sleepiness
or extreme fussiness; refusing to eat, poor feeding or vomiting for no
apparent reason; usual responses such as smiling, eye contact and
babbling are lost; body stiffness or seizures; appears to have
difficulty breathing; eyes are not focused; pupil size is unequal or
your baby can't follow a movement with his eyes.If you think your baby has been shaken,
call 911, see your doctor or go to an emergency room immediately.The
National Centre on Shaken Baby Syndrome in Canada offers a prevention program,
the Period of Purple Crying, which helps parents and other caregivers
understand crying in normal infants. This program describes the
sometimes-inconsolable infant crying that can sometimes cause stress,
anger, and frustration in parents and caregivers. The program hopes to
educate people and prevent shaken baby syndrome.
Remember a moment of frustration can change a life forever. Never shake a baby.