Never Shake a Baby

No child, at any age, should ever be shaken. The effects can be very serious and can include lifelong injury or even death. Shaken Baby Syndrome occurs when a baby or young child is shaken violently and sometimes repeatedly, with or without the head hitting something. It's a type of abusive head trauma that can cause damage to a child's brain, permanent disabilities like blindness or paralysis, and death. Children under 1 year old are most at risk, since they cry more often, but older children can also be seriously injured by violent shaking.

What can parents do to soothe a crying baby?

• Check whether the crying signals a specific need — a nappy change, feeding, relief from being too hot or too cold, attention, or a fever.
• Hold your baby — this won't spoil him, though some babies dislike being passed from person to person.
• Wrap or swaddle your baby in a soft blanket.
• Turn off the lights and keep surroundings quiet — too much stimulation can trigger or worsen crying.
• Soft music, white noise or a gentle shushing noise can soothe some babies.
• Try motion — walking with baby in a sling or stroller, rocking or swaying, or a car ride.
• Sucking sometimes helps babies calm and relax — breastfeed or offer a pacifier.
• Give your baby a warm bath.

What if my baby keeps crying?

If your baby continues crying after you've ruled out a specific problem, stay calm and be aware of how you feel. If you feel like you might lose control, stop — place your baby safely in the crib, take a time-out, and leave the room for as long as it takes you to feel calm. Take slow, deep breaths, take a shower, or talk to a friend, family member, neighbour or anyone you trust for support — ask someone to take over for a while so you can take a longer break. If you ever feel you may hurt your baby, call for help: a family member, neighbour, a local crisis line, your child welfare agency, or the police. It's a good idea to have a plan in place before you become upset or frustrated, with a list of helpful numbers posted clearly for all caregivers.

Signs that indicate a baby may have been shaken

There are often no marks or bruises on the skin. Common signs include unusual sleepiness or extreme fussiness; refusing to eat, poor feeding or vomiting for no apparent reason; no longer smiling, making eye contact or babbling; a stiff body or seizures; a limp body; difficulty breathing or a change in breathing pattern; and unfocused or rolled-back eyes.

What should you do if you think your baby has been shaken?

Call an ambulance or go to an emergency room immediately. Shaking is not first aid — if your baby is not breathing, shaking will not help; the only way to assist is mouth-to-mouth breathing using the correct technique for young infants, while calling an ambulance.

Where can parents go for help and support?

Being a parent or caregiver is not always easy, and a baby's constant crying can be genuinely stressful. Try to arrange regular child care relief so you can rest, and find a friend, family member or someone else you trust who can look after your baby for periods while you get a break. If people you trust offer help, accept it — but know your caregiver, and never leave your child with someone you don't trust, who has violent reactions, or who isn't comfortable with babies. Make sure everyone in contact with your baby, including older siblings, understands the dangers of shaking. Remember: no matter how upset you feel, don't shake your baby. If you have concerns or questions, talk to your paediatrician, family doctor or a public health nurse, and look for local community resources that support parents.