Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma
Prevention Program
• Abusive Head Trauma/Shaken baby syndrome (SBS)
is the name given to the physical abuse and injuries
that occur when an infant or small child is violently
shaken and or slammed.
• A syndrome is defined as a set of symptoms and
physical findings that lead to a certain diagnosis.
• These injuries are virtually never seen unless violent
whiplash shaking of the head has occurred.
• 1700 – 3000 cases diagnosed each year
• 0-3 cases in Vermont diagnosed yearly
Shaken Baby Syndrome 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
The Three Most Common
Injuries Caused by Shaking
• Intracranial Bleeding- Bleeding on the brain
• Cerebral Edema- Massive brain swelling
• Retinal Hemorrhages- Bleeding inside the
eye
Other Injuries Associated with
Shaken Baby Syndrome
• Rib Fractures
• Fractures Long Bones
• Skull Fractures
Fractures are seen in less than 50% of the
shaking victims
Rare to find external injuries- bruises
Long Term Effects
• 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
What We Know About Babies
Smaller than Adults
Large Heads and Weak Neck Muscles
Underdeveloped Brain
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
Victim Gender
60 % Male
40 % Female
Victim Age
Most victims of SBS are less than 1 year
old
Majority being under 6 months of age
Cases of children up to 3 years of age
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.
What triggers Shaking?
Inconsolable Crying
• Resistant to soothing
• After being fed, changed, burped, rocked
• Inability of caregiver to cope with this frustration
that can lead to abuse behavior
All Babies Cry
• Crying begins around 2 weeks, peeks at 2 months
and starts to decrease at 3-4 months
• All babies cry, some more than others, and it’s OK
• Remember it is not your fault, and don’t take it
personally!
Why Babies Cry
Communicates Needs
Hungry?
Doesn’t know
Tired?
Misses parent
Too Warm/Cold?
Over stimulated
Wet?
Bored?
Sick?
Ways to Soothe a Crying Baby
Feed Baby
Change Diaper
Check Clothing
Play with your
baby
Try vacuuming
Put baby in
Swing/Bouncer
Turn on music
Give him a bath
Go for a ride in car
Sing, dance, or go
for a walk
Hint: No Baby has ever
died from crying it is ok to
let a baby cry!
Tips for Quieting A Crying Baby
Wrap the baby snugly in a warm, soft blanket and gently rub
the baby’s back while lying on its side or tummy on your lap
Talk, sing, play music, turn on the vacuum or a static TV
channel, or play with a noisy toy in front of the baby
Rock, dance or try a baby swing. Take the baby outside for
some fresh air, a ride in the stroller or in the car in the car seat
Try feeding the baby, offering a bottle, breast, or try a pacifier
Give the baby a warm bath
Stay calm and speak softly to your baby
Sometimes these tips do not work
Place the baby on his back in a safe place like the crib
and walk away if you are feeling frustrated or angry.
Give yourself and your baby a break. Check on the baby
every 10-15 minutes.
Count to ten
Listen to music
Exercise
Watch TV
Call a friend, family member, or helpline
STRESS………..
Symptoms
Causes
Irritability, headache,
fatigue, racing heartbeat,
yelling, swearing, losing
or gaining weight, feel
like punching something?
Jobs, relationships, family,
responsibility, crying baby, bills, and
just life.
Management
Stay healthy,walk away,
exercise, listen to music, take
deep breaths, find time for
yourself, smile, call a friend
and ask for help!
How Can We Keep Our Children
Safe?
•Never leave your child with someone who may be
stressed.
•Make sure your child’s caregiver knows it is never ok
to shake your baby.
•Know your own limitations.
•Have a safety plan before you can no longer tolerate
your child’s crying.
NEVER SHAKE A BABY
In a few seconds of anger and frustration your life and
child’s life could change forever!
It is ok to let a baby
cry!
A baby has never
died from crying!
It is never okay to shake a babyserious injury or death can occur.
This program is generously
supported by grants from:
Department of Disabilities, Aging and independent Living
Department for Children and Families
Department of Health
Never Shake A Baby
1-800-CHILDREN
1-800-244-5373
Resources
The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome
www.dontshake.org
Dr. Harvey Karp –The Happiest Baby on the Block
www.thehappiestbaby.com