Violently Shaking a Baby can Lead to Brain Damage or Death - Health Tips

Violently Shaking a Baby can Lead to Brain Damage or Death

Caring for a baby can be challenging for both parents and caretakers. Persistent crying of an infant is often frustrating, and can cause an adult to become angry and lose control by violently shaking a baby. This forceful shaking of an infant is called shaken baby syndrome and can lead to permanent brain damage or death.

Although shaking is often done by caregivers, the majority of cases are caused by an adult living in the baby's home who does not intend to hurt the baby but is only acting out of frustration.

According to Boys Town Pediatrics, an infant with shaken baby syndrome may show the following symptoms:

Sleeping
Fussiness
Lack of appetite
Vomiting
Seizures
Apnea (not breathing)
Unconsciousness

The most important way parents and caretakers can prevent shaken baby syndrome is to first realize the dangers of forcefully shaking an infant. Other prevention measures include:

Not holding your baby during an argument.
Not leaving your baby with a person who is angry, drinking, or taking drugs.
Using licensed childcare providers.
Never shaking a baby.

If you are feeling annoyed or angry with your baby, the pediatricians at Boys Town Pediatrics suggest setting your baby in a crib and leaving the room. Then call a friend for support. If you notice that an infant has one or more of the symptoms of shaken baby syndrome, call 9-1-1 immediately.