1. Is the medical term used to describe violent shaking of an infant and the injuries caused by such shaking. An infant’s head is large and heavy, while the neck is very weak. When an infant is shaken, the brain is tossed around inside the skull and the tiny blood vessels that connect the brain to the skull can tear.

2. Shaken Baby Snydrome Many infants are hospitalized each year as a result of Shaken Baby Syndrome – and as many as ¼ of them die. Often there is no visible outward sign of damage, but there is damage inside. Shaking an infant may have many consequences.

3. SBS can Result in: Swelling of the brain Hemorrhage (bleeding) in the brain Mental retardation Blindness Hearing Loss Paralysis Seizures Death

4. Why? Shaking usually happens because the person caring for the baby becomes frustrated when they are unable to stop the infant from crying. More men than women are guilty of shanking infants. More boy babies are shaken than little girls. Twins have a higher chance of being shaken than a single. It is important to remember to always stay calm and NEVER, NEVER shake a baby.

5. Suggestions: Take several deep breaths and count to ten. Say the alphabet out loud. Read a poem that gives you inspiration. Put the infant in a safe place, then leave the room for a few minutes Close your eyes and think of something pleasant. Create a new, distracting noise to get the infants attention such as a blender or vacuum cleaner. Ask someone for help. Try hugging and cuddling the infant. Gentle motion may help. A baby swing, an infant seat, a hair dyer or cloth dyer, or taking the baby for a ride in the car. Remember to use cautin, attend to the baby at all time and be gentle.

6. AWAYS REMEMBER NEVER – NEVER SHAKE A BABY!!!