Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS)
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What is it?
Brain injury can occur from the violent shaking of an infant or small child, which often occurs when a frustrated parent tries to stop them from crying. It is considered a serious form of child abuse. Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) is the collection of signs and symptoms resulting from this shaking.
What to do?
If you are getting frustrated with a crying baby, do not shake him or her. Here are some strategies for coping with a crying baby:
- make sure your baby is not unwell, hungry, too hot or cold, and has a clean nappy
- try rocking the baby, stroking and talking to him. If you use a dummy, maybe offer it to him
- Leave the baby alone for a few minutes to see if he will calm down.
- If he wont stop crying, put him in his cot and give yourself some time away to calm down
- speak to family, friends, or a parenting help line for support