Shaken Baby Syndrome

What are the signs of shaken baby syndrome?

Shaken baby syndrome is a serious type of head injury that happens when an infant or toddler is severely or violently shaken. Babies are not able to fully support their heavy heads. As a result, violent and forceful shaking causes a baby's brain to be injured. Too often, this leads to the death of a baby.

• Irritability
• Lethargy (difficulty staying awake)
• Difficulty breathing
• Tremors (shakiness)
• Vomiting
• Seizures
• Coma
• Death

Shaken baby syndrome usually occurs when a parent or other caregiver shakes a baby out of anger or frustration, often because the baby will not stop crying. Shaken baby syndrome is a serious form of child abuse.

What to do

If you think your baby might have been injured from violent shaking, the most important step is to get medical care right away. Call your pediatrician or take your baby to the nearest emergency department. If your baby's brain is damaged or bleeding inside from severe shaking, it will only get worse without treatment. Getting medical care right away may save your baby's life and prevent serious health problems from developing.

Be sure to tell your pediatrician or the doctor in the emergency room if your baby was shaken. Do not let embarrassment, guilt, or fear get in the way of your baby's health or life. Without the correct information, your pediatrician or the doctor may assume your baby has an illness. Mild symptoms of shaken baby syndrome are very similar to colic, feeding problems, and fussiness. Your baby may not get the right treatment if the doctor does not have all the facts.

Spread the word

Parents, if other people help take care of your baby, make sure they know about the dangers of shaken baby syndrome. This includes child care providers, older siblings, grandparents, and neighbors - anyone who cares for your baby. Make sure they know it is never okay to shake a baby.