Shaken Baby Syndrome
What is Shaken Baby Syndrome?
Although parenting can be a joyful and rewarding time, it can also be very stressful. Unfortunately, some caregivers become overwhelmed with the stress and are at risk of shaking their infant or toddler. Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) is the name given to the collection of injuries suffered by an infant or toddler when shaken.
According to the Iowa Child Death Review Team, 49 infants and toddlers died after they were shaken/slammed from 1995-2007. It is unknown exactly how many children survive Shaken Baby Syndrome each year. Children who survive SBS often face lifelong effects such as learning disabilities, physical disabilities, blindness, behavior disorders, speech impairment, cerebral palsy, and more.
How can Shaken Baby Syndrome be prevented?
Parents & Caregivers
If your baby is crying, and you begin to feel overwhelmed, try the following:
Check the Basics
Is your baby hungry, tired, too warm or cold, or sick; does s/he need a clean diaper? Remember, a baby can't talk; s/he can only cry to communicate discomfort.
Soothe the Baby
Walk, talk, sing, go for a car ride, and hold baby close to you.
Call a Friend or Family Member
It can be helpful to talk with another adult about your stress, or to ask for a break.
Walk Away for a Minute
If nothing else works, put the baby on his/her back in a safe place like a crib, and walk away for a few minutes. Use this time to try and relax - listen to music and take a few deep breaths. When you are calm, it will be easier to calm your baby.
Friends & Family Members
If you know or see a parent who is struggling with a crying infant, try the following:
Offer to Help
Give the parent a break from the baby by babysitting for a few hours. Also, make yourself available if they just need to call and vent for a while.
Be Sympathetic
All babies cry, and parents feel stressed when their baby cries in public. Even a gentle remark such as, "I remember when my little one used to cry like that. Don't worry, it will pass," can help relieve the parent's frustration.
Talk About Your Experience
Sometimes parents just need reassurance their baby is fine, all babies cry, and this stressful time will pass. Share the frustration you felt when your baby cried. Remind them it's normal to feel frustrated; it's what they do when they're frustrated that matters.
Additional Information
See information about Shaken Baby Syndrome on the Prevent Child Abuse website and the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome website.
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Health Department
Physical Address
Jasper County Administration Office
315 W. 3rd St. N. Suite 100
Newton, IA 50208
Phone: 641-787-9224Fax: 641-275-3708
Hours
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
After hour appointments may be made.
After Hours
24 / 7 Availability Iowa Department of Public Health, Center for Acute Disease Epidemiology (CADE)
Phone: 1-800-362-2736
Diseases can be reported through the Iowa Disease Surveillance System (IDSS)