How Do You Prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome?
Shaken baby syndrome is a brain injury resulting from aggressively shaking a baby. If you have a baby or you care for a baby, you need to be aware of shaken baby syndrome. An estimated 600 to 1,400 cases of shaken baby syndrome occur annually. Most victims are between 3 and 8 months old. Sadly, approximately 20 percent of victims die within days of the injury. Fortunately, this syndrome is completely preventable. Recognize that shaken baby syndrome typically occurs when an adult becomes frustrated with a baby’s continuous crying. Create a support system to help you through the first few months. Call your family and friends and ask for them to watch your baby for an hour while you get rest. Plan out a sequence of steps you will take when your baby starts crying. Write down these steps, laminate the paper, and leave it near your baby’s crib. When the baby cries, take out the paper and start working through the steps one at a time. Identify a safe place where you can place your baby if yo
