Shaken Baby Syndrome Never Ever Shake a baby

Abstract

Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) is a preventable, severe form of physical child abuse resulting from violently shaking an infant by the shoulders, arms, or legs. SBS may result from both shaking alone or from shaking with impact. (CDC)1. Non-accidental head injury in infants is the leading cause of infant death from injury. Clinical features that suggest head trauma (also known as shaken baby syndrome (SBS) or shaken impact syndrome) include the triad consisting of retinal hemorrhage, subdural, and/or subarachnoid hemorrhage in an infant with little signs of external trauma.” The majority of the infants body weight is comprised of the head, neck muscles are weaker, Infants had lack of head control so they cannot resist or minimize the force of injury (leslie Altimier, 2008)2 Evidence based research suggests that programs that teach parents and caregivers about the dangers of shaking a baby, as well as ways to cope with the stresses of caring for a child, are very effective in reducing the incidence of SBS. all hospitals are required to offer new parents the option of viewing a video on Shaken Baby Syndrome, including ways to cope with a crying child. It is important to reach as many current or future caregivers as possible to share this important message with them:6