How to Prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS)
Prepare a Safety Plan to Avoid SBS When a Baby Won't Stop Crying
Oct 19, 2009
Shaken Baby Syndrome is the term used to describe the injuries that result if an adult shakes a baby or young child in a violent manner. The act of shaking a baby causes tearing and bleeding in the brain and eyes, breaks bones, and can lead to permanent brain damage or death.
There are many possible reasons why a parent or caregiver might shake a baby, but the most common is frustration with a child who cries and doesn't stop for an extended period of time. Unable to soothe a crying baby, the adult may lose control, and shake the baby to quiet it.
In order to prevent the tragedy of Shaken Baby Syndrome, it is important to first examine the reasons a baby might be crying and explore the possible solutions. Adults can then develop a safety plan with self-calming techniques for dealing with anger and frustration when a baby cries.
Why Do Babies Cry?
First and foremost, it is important to know that crying is a normal part of infant development. They cry to communicate their needs, to get attention and to exercise their lungs. There are several other reasons a baby might cry and options for dealing with it:
- The baby might be hungry. Try feeding the baby or offering a pacifier.
- The baby may be uncomfortable. Check to see if a diaper needs changing, the baby is too hot or cold, or if the clothing is too tight.
- The baby might need to sleep. Rock the baby, play quiet music, or softly sing.
- The baby could be bored. Take the baby for a stroller walk or a ride in the car.
- The baby may be sick. Check the baby’s temperature. If there is fever or the baby seems to be in pain, call the doctor or a nurse hotline.
Sometimes, no matter what a parent or caregiver tries, a baby just won’t be soothed. Depending on the age of the baby, this may also be quite normal. According to Dr. Ronald Barr, an infant crying expert, babies between the ages of two weeks and two months will often cry for extended periods of time for no apparent reason.
Develop a Safety Plan
The fact that there may be no real reason for a baby to be crying for extended periods does not make it any easier. It can be both physically and emotionally exhausting, as well as extremely stressful. This is a very normal way for a parent or caregiver to feel.
It is vital to remember that even when it isn’t possible to calm a baby, the parent or caregiver must remain calm. When frustration builds up, a parent may begin to feel angry at the baby and be unable to cope any more. Create a two-part safety plan for what to do when this happens.
Get Some Space
- Put the baby down in a safe place, like a crib, even if the baby is still crying
- Leave the room
- Close the door
- Take a break somewhere else in the home for 10-15 minutes
The following are some suggestions for self-calming to bring down frustration levels and allow the adult to safely return to the baby:
- Take deep breaths
- Call a friend or relative to come and help with the baby, especially if the adult cannot calm down
- Call a friend or relative and just talk
- Turn on soothing music
- Do some vigorous exercise or housework
- Do yoga or other calming exercise
- Scream into a pillow
- Beat on pillows, cushions or a mattress
- Watch something funny on TV
- Take a quick shower
In order to prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome, it is more important for a parent or caregiver to stay calm than to stop the baby from crying. As long as the baby is in a safe place, it is good parenting and care giving practice to take a break.
Knowledge Prevents Tragedy
A child who is the victim of Shaken Baby Syndrome is likely to be permanently disabled or die from the injuries. One brief moment of shaking can bring a lifetime of tragedy to an entire family.
Babies are safer when parents and caregivers understand why babies cry, have a safety plan for when a baby is crying, and learn when to step away from the baby for a short period of time. Self-calming techniques help adults regain their composure and allow them to return to a baby with anger and frustration under control.
Sources:
Barr, R. G., "Early Infant Crying as a behavioral state rather than a signal." Behavioral and Brain Sciences. 2004 August; 27(4):460.
The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome
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