Shaken Baby Syndrome

1. Who has heard about Shaken Baby Syndrome and what can you tell me

about it?2. Pre-survey

1. A 2-month-old baby was just fed and the diaper is dry. The baby has been crying for 10 minutes. What should the parents or babysitter do?

a. Ignore the babyb. Pick the baby up and hold her/him.c. Try to feed the baby more.d. Yell at the baby to be quiet.e. I really don’t know.

2. Which statement is true about shaking a baby who cries a lot?

a. Shaking helps parents blow off steam and really isn’t harmful.

b. Shaking is better and safer than spanking a baby.

c. Shaking can cause brain damage or kill a baby.

d. Shaking is an okay way to teach kids that adults are stronger than they are.

e. I really don’t know.

3. When is it safe to shake a baby?

a. When the baby reaches 2 years of age.

b. When the shaker is another child.c. When the baby is old enough to

walk.d. Nevere. I really don’t know.

4. Which of the following statements about infant crying is true?

a. Babies cry to communicate and may mean one thing one day and a different thing another.

b. Babies cry just to get attention.c. Parents should always be able to figure

out why a baby is crying.d. Crying babies should not be put in a crib

so the parents can have a break.e. I really don’t know.

5. If a baby is shaken and lives, what problems could the baby have?

a. Blindnessb. Mental retardationc. Hearing problemsd. All of the abovee. I don’t know.

Shaken Baby Syndrome

A form of child abuse that occurs when an infant or young child is violently shaken.

The constellation of injuries found in shaken babies and young children is virtually never seen in any other mechanism besides violent, whiplash shaking of the head.

Common Defense

Injuries are not/cannot be mimicked by any disease or medical condition.

•Falls•Resuscitation•Choking•Physical defect in child

Not horseplay or accidental

Not by bouncing baby on the knee Not from baby falling off couch or

other furniture Not from walking or jogging with the

baby in a backpack Not by throwing baby in the air Not from sudden stops in the car

seat

SBS

A baby or young child is more vulnerable to shaking injuries because:– Heavy head; 25% of total weight– Weak neck muscles– Larger intracranial space– Drastic size and strength difference

between victim and perpetrator

Demonstration:what happens during shaking?

I need a volunteer…..

A baby can fall 3 stories and not get as seriously injured as a shaken baby.

When a child is shaken in anger and frustration, the force is multiplied 5-10 times more than it would be if the child had simply tripped or fallen.

If a baby has been shaken, it is important that it be taken to the hospital right away. Tell the doctor the baby was shaken so proper medical attention may be given.

Signs and symptoms

Unresponsive Lethargic Having convulsions Change in level of awareness Not able to vocalize or follow

movement Difficulty breathing/turn blue

Witnesses are rare.

Many times if it is a family member, i.e., the father, sentencing can be light to heavy depending on the other family members positions. Many wish for the father to be sentenced to community service, so he can work and help pay for the support and hospital insurance of the victim. However, in the case of a daycare provider, the sentencing is stiffer, but in many cases reduced on appeal, or by the presiding judge. Victim family members want the perpetrators to admit to what they did and show remorse.

Injuries caused by shaking

• Intracranial bleeding -Bridging veins that connect the

brain to the surrounding membranes are torn during shaking (Cerebral hemorrhages)• Cerebral edema

-massive brain swelling• Retinal hemorrhages - bleeding in the back of the eye and along

the optic nerve

Long term effects

Severe brain damage Learning disabilities Blindness Paralysis Seizure disorders Impaired motor or cognitive skills Behavior disorders

Victim Age

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

0-3months

7-12mos

25+mos

Perpetrators

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

Fathers Boyfriendof Mother

Other

Perpetrator Age

050

100150200250300350400450

19 andunder

20-30 31-40 41-50 51-60

Number 1 Trigger ???

CRYING

CRYING

Crying is the only the only way a baby can communicate– “I’m hungry” cry– “I’m tired” cry– “Change my diaper” cry– “I just want to be held” cry– “I don’t feel well” cry

You cannot spoil a baby under 6 months Crying is an important exercise

– Lungs and respiratory system Ntl. Shaken Baby Coalition

Coping with Crying

Some babies cry for no apparent reason. They do NOT do it to make the caregiver crazy or because someone is a bad parent. Therefore, it is essential that EVERYONE have a PLAN!

What are 10 ways to quiet a crying baby?

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Checklist

Is the baby hungry? Is the baby uncomfortable? Check diaper,

clothes, temperature… Is the baby tired? Baby may want to be held,

cuddled, swaddled Is the baby sick? Check temp. Is the baby under-stimulated? Rock, walk, go for

a ride, read, offer a fun toy… Is the baby over-stimulated? Too many people,

too much noise, too many toys…move baby to a quiet room

Is the baby frustrated? Gently pat or massage, sing or talk to baby. Your touch and gentle voice is comforting and lets him/her know they are secure.

Is the baby cranky? Sometimes Baby just needs to cry.

Remember…

Remind self that you are a good parent, caretaker, etc.

Take deep breaths Gently lay Baby down on back in a safe place.

Take a break. 10 foot rule: Once the baby is in a safe place,

stay 10 feet away until you have calmed down. Grab the phone, not the baby. Call a friend,

family member or co-worker. Crying will NOT hurt or kill a baby, but shaking

them in anger WILL.