1. Shaken Baby Syndrome and SIDS

2. Definition
Shaken baby syndrome (SBS)- the physical abuse and injuries that occur when an infant or small child is violently shaken and or slammed.
Violent whiplash shaking of the head has occurred

3. What triggers Shaking? Inconsolable Crying
Inability of caregiver to cope with this frustration that can lead to abuse behavior
All Babies Cry! Remember it is not your fault, and don’t take it personally!
Crying is the number 1 reason given

4. Inconsolable Crying
Inability of caregiver to cope with this frustration that can lead to abuse behavior
All Babies Cry! Remember it is not your fault, and don’t take it personally!
Crying that won’t stop They just want the baby to stop crying! Tired, stressed out and the crying is fraying their last nerve!
Why do babies cry? What are some of the things they are telling us? Do parents know always know why the baby is crying?
What ways have you used or seen someone use to quiet a crying baby
Stress, lack of sleep cry for days, weeks, and months. Parents back to work, other stresses in the household, can you name some other things that may be stressful in a household/relationship.
What

5. SBS Is NOT Caused By Tossing a child in the air
Bouncing a baby on your knee
Using a infant swing
Falling or roughhousing
Jogging with your baby

6. Signs and Symptoms Vomiting Irritable/fussy Lethargic
Decreased appetite, weak sucking
Increase crying
These symptoms be seen in infants and small children with other illnesses.
Seizures
Rigid posture
Head or forehead appears larger, bulging soft spots
Inability to focus eyes / pupil changes
Decreased level of consciousness
Difficulty Breathing
CHOP Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Doctors are working on a marker, blood test to check for head injuries, to justify CAT Scans
They can look ok, a little off or severely injured, normally too late

7. Common Injuries Intracranial Bleeding- Bleeding on the brain
Cerebral Edema- Massive brain swelling
Retinal Hemorrhages- Bleeding inside the eye

8. Other Injuries Rib Fractures Fractures Long Bones Skull Fractures
Fractures are seen in less than 50% of the shaking victims
Rare to find external injuries- bruises

9. Long Term Effects Death 25% of all victims die
Severe brain damage
Learning disabilities
Blindness
Paralysis
Seizures
Behavior disorders
Hearing impairments
Physical disabilities
Death 25% of all victims die
50% live with life long Disabilities
25 % Die
50% live with life long severe disabilities
Early diagnosis and treatment can help!

10. SBS Perpetrators
70-80 % are young Males (18-28), with the most being the biological father of the victim or the mother’s boyfriend.
Even though the majority of SBS perpetrators are male, it would be very dangerous to assume that anyone is exempt!
Anyone who can become frustrated is capable of shaking a child.
There is no traditional profile .
One cannot look at socioeconomic status, education, history of drug use or abusive background to determine if one is likely to endanger a child by shaking.
Happens in all families, Happened in mine, it can happen in yours.
Highest risk are young men who abuse drugs and have a history of abuse
Very difficult to prosecute, Unlikely that the perpetrator will confess. Destroys families, lack of trust
Not always bad people. They love their child, they lack to tools to care for a crying baby. They have less experience or may have no experience. They need to be shown how to care for a crying baby and most importantly they need to know it is ok to let a baby cry and it is never ok to shake a baby.

11. Definition SIDS- sudden infant death syndrome

12. What triggers SIDS?
Most SIDS deaths are diagnosed after all other possible causes are ruled out.
No single risk factor
Rather, several factors combined contribute to death

13. Stomach Sleeping is a NO NO!
Studies have shown a higher incidence of SIDS among babies placed on their stomach to sleep
Soft surface could create a small enclosure around the babies month and trap exhaled air. As the baby breaths, the oxygen level drops and carbon dioxide accumulates. (Rebreathing)

14. Potential Risk Factors
Smoking, drinking, or drug use during pregnancy
Poor prenatal care
Prematurity or low birth rate
Mothers younger than 20
Smoke exposure following birth
Overheating from excessive sleep ware or bedding
Stomach Sleeping

15. Prevention Steps 1.Parents should avoid fluffy, loose bedding
2. Keep baby's face clear of coverings
3. Do not overheat your baby by overdressing or adding unnecessary covers
4. Do not allow your baby to sleep alongside another person.
5. Keep all "well-child" appointments, including immunizations.

16. Resources The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome
Dr. Harvey Karp –The Happiest Baby on the Block