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Babies are fragile. Please don't shake a child.
National Shaken Baby Syndrome Campaign
The National Exchange Club Foundation is dedicated to
educating the public on the dangers of shaking a baby. The Foundation has implemented
a national campaign by distributing literature to parents, new parents, grandparents,
caregivers, baby sitters, teenagers, siblings and licensed childcare providers throughout
hundreds of communities. The campaign, which began in September 1998 in conjunction
with Baby Safety Month, has resulted in the distribution of 1.5 million brochures,
billboards, magnets and t-shirts. Shaken Baby Syndrome Brochures are also available
in Spanish. The campaign has increased awareness nationwide, and will be conducted
year-round. For more information, contact the Foundation office at 800.924.2643.
What
is Shaken Baby Syndrome?
When a baby is vigorously shaken, the head moves back and forth. This
sudden whiplash motion can cause bleeding inside the head and increased pressure
on the brain, causing the brain to pull apart and resulting in injury to the baby.
This is known as Shaken Baby Syndrome, and is one of the leading forms of fatal
child abuse. A baby's head and neck are susceptible to head trauma because his or
her muscles are not fully developed and the brain tissue is exceptionally fragile.
Head trauma is the leading cause of disability among abused infants and children.
Shaken Baby Syndrome occurs most frequently in infants younger than six months
old, yet can occur up to the age of three. Often there are no obvious outward signs
if inside injury, particularly in the head or behind the eyes. In reality, shaking
a baby, if only for a few seconds, can injure the baby for life. These injuries
can include brain swelling and damage; cerebral palsy; mental retardation; developmental
delays; blindness; hearing loss; paralysis and death. When a child is shaken in
anger and frustration, the force is multiplied five or 10 times than it would be
if the child had simply tripped and fallen.
How
does it happen?
Often frustrated parents or other persons responsible for a child's
care feel that shaking a baby is a harmless way to make a child stop crying. The
number one reason a baby is shaken is because of inconsolable crying. Almost 25
percent of all babies with Shaken Baby Syndrome die. It is estimated that 25-50
percent of parents and caretakers aren't aware of the effects of shaking a baby.
What
can you do to prevent a tragedy?
If you or someone else shakes a baby, either accidentally or on purpose,
call 911 or take the child to the emergency room immediately. Bleeding in side the
brain can be treated. Immediate medical attention will save your baby many future
problems . . . and possible the baby's life.
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Other Suggestions for Parents |
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Never throw or shake a baby |
Always provide support for the baby's head and neck |
Place the baby in a crib, leave the room for a few minutes |
Sit down, close your eyes and count to 20 |
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Take the baby for a stroller ride |
Play music, or sing to the baby |
Ask a friend to "take over" for a while |
Don't pick the baby up until you feel calm |
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Make sure the baby is fed, burped and dry |
Gently rock or walk the baby |
Check for discomfort of diaper rash, teething or fever |
Call the doctor if you think the baby is sick |
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Make sure clothing is not too tight |
Give the baby a pacifier |
Offer a noisy toy or rattle |
Hug and cuddle the baby gently |
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