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Compiled by Kristi Denkeler, ResCare Premier (page 1 of 3) Page 1 of 3
Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS):
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, SBS is “a severe form of head injury that occurs when a baby is shaken forcibly enough to cause the baby’s brain to rebound (bounce) against his or her skull. This rebounding may cause bruising, swelling, and bleeding of the brain, which may lead to permanent, severe brain damage or death” (Keep Kids Healthy, 2003).
THE FACTS:
“Many people are still not aware that shaking causes brain injuries and that the brains of babies and small children up to age five are particularly susceptible to such injury. One of four shaken infants dies. Half of the survivors suffer brain injuries that result in irrevocable neurological impairment and developmental delays. They don’t lose their life, but they do lose eyesight, their mobility and the potential for independent living. Over the first five years, the total cost of medical care for a SBS survivor may reach $1,000,000. The death of an infant is tragic, but the tragedy is compounded by the fact that SBS can be prevented” (The Skipper Initiative, n.d.).
“ . . . although likely under-reported, 3,000 children a year in the United States are thought to be victims of shaken baby syndrome. …The harm to these children can likely be prevented with more education” (Keep Kids Healthy, 2003).
Even throwing a child up in the air or swinging them around vigorously, although playfully, could possibly also cause damage to a child whose brain is still developing.
Shaken Infant Syndrome
“Shaken Infant Syndrome” or “Shaken Baby Syndrome” happens when caregivers become frustrated with children and shake them forcefully. Even mild or moderate shakings can cause serious injury. The damage that occurs usually cannot be seen. Severe injury is most common in very young children, but can happen to three and four year old children.
- 1/3 of children who are shaken will die
- 1/3 of children who are shaken will be permanently brain damaged
- 1/3 of children who are shaken will recover with minimal injury
Results from Shaken Infant Syndrome can include:
- Death
- Brain Damage
- Spinal injury/paralysis
- Blindness or other eye trauma
- Seizures
- Delay in normal development
- Broken bones
- Dislocations
- Mental retardation
If you or someone else has shaken a child, accidentally or on purpose, take the child to the emergency room immediately. Bleeding inside the brain can be treated, but only if you tell the doctors you shook the child. Waiting will only cause further damage. This may save your child a lot of problems in the future… and possibly save his or her life.
Studies show that most babies are shaken when a male caregiver is left alone and becomes frustrated with a crying infant. Men often feel like they must “fix” things. This sense of frustration with a crying baby can lead to a loss of control. We can learn how to handle frustration.
Here Are Some Tips:
To calm the baby take a time out:
- To see if the baby is hungry or needs a diaper changed
- To lean over the baby without picking up the baby and talk softly
- To guide the baby’s hand to its mouth to suck on
- To gently rock the baby in your arms or walk with the child cuddled around your shoulder
- To place the baby in a stroller and go for a walk around the neighborhood
- To create some “white noise” by running the sweeper, running water, turning on the dryer or playing some music
- To give the baby a pacifier
- To whisper softly in the baby’s ear or sing softly and slowly
If the baby won’t stop crying and you feel yourself getting angry or tense, it’s ok to place the baby in its bed. Your job is to make sure the baby is in a safe place and to be available if an emergency should arise.
To calm yourself take a time out:
- To count to 10; then count to 10 again before doing anything
- To listen to music with headphones
- To watch something you enjoy on television
- To take a shower
- To exercise
If you still feel out of control, take time out:
- To call the baby’s mother and ask for help
- To call a friend, neighbor or relative and ask for help
Child Abuse:
“Child abuse is any mistreatment or neglect of a child that results in non-accidental harm or injury and which cannot be reasonably explained. Child abuse can include: physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse and neglect.
...According to a 1992 study sponsored by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), maltreatment in childhood increases the likelihood of arrest as a juvenile by 53 percent, as an adult by 38 percent, and for a violent crime by 38 percent.
...Based on data reported by [Child Protective Services] CPS agencies in 2001…five to six children die each day as a result of child abuse or neglect. Of these fatalities, 85 percent were children younger than six years old at the time of their death, and 44 percent were under the age of one.
...Most parents want to be good parents but sometimes lose control and are unable to cope. Factors which contribute to child abuse include the immaturity of parents, lack of parenting skills, unrealistic expectations about children’s behaviors and capabilities, a parent’s own negative childhood experience, social isolation, frequent family crises and drug or alcohol problems” (National Exchange Club Foundation, 2000).
“Ironically, if you asked people if they should help if seeing a nearby car accident, most will say yes. But in the case of suspected child abuse, that thinking may be different. Why? Because of prevalent attitudes that someone else’s children are either ‘their responsibility’ or ‘their property’” (Tennyson Center for Children, 2004).
From ResCare Premier. Used with permission. Third-party use prohibited. www.rescarepremiertexas.com.
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