By Dawn Bowen
dawn@geringcitizen.com
Shaken Baby Syndrome is among the leading causes of the preventable death of infants yet it could be eliminated altogether with one simple solution – never do it.
“Never, never, never shake a baby,” says Joy McKay, director and project coordinator of CAPstone child advocacy center in Scottsbluff. “There’s not much else to say. Just don’t do it.”
Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) is the act of violently shaking an infant or toddler, a form of child abuse that most often occurs out of frustration. A single shaking incident lasting only a few seconds can cause bleeding in and around the child’s brain, resulting in death or in permanent brain damage.
“It can only take five to 10 seconds to kill a child,” McKay said. Because a baby’s head can comprise as much as 25 percent of his or her weight and the neck and shoulder muscles are not yet developed, the baby is unable to control the movement caused by violent shaking, she said. The most serious injuries occur as the brain moves around inside the skull and is injured.
Non-fatal injuries can include blindness, mental retardation, seizures, cerebral palsy, hearing loss, paralysis, broken bones and learning disabilities, according to information provided by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
The complexities of the injuries along with varying reporting procedures have made it difficult for authorities to gather statistics; however some agencies estimate there are at least 1,400 new cases reported each year in the United States. The cases involve families of all races, incomes and education levels. According to the Childhelp organization, one out of every three to four shaken babies dies from his or her injuries, often within hours of the abuse occurring, and only 15 percent escape permanent injury. Reportedly, babies age 2 to 4 months are at the greatest risk for Shaken Baby Syndrome.
In a majority of the cases, the baby’s crying has been noted as the “trigger” that led to abuse. McKay said parents must understand that crying is a normal part of a baby’s development. Infants tend to cry more and more until they reach the age of around 4 months, she said. At that stage, they are developing more socially, beginning to notice more and more about their surroundings and tend to cry less.
“Most importantly, understand that crying is normal,” McKay said. “The crying is a normal part of being a baby. They just cry. It’s the only way they can express themselves at that age.”
Obviously, crying may be caused by hunger, needing a diaper change or by other comfort issues. Regular check-ups with the child’s pediatrician are also import to ensure health issues are not the cause of persistent crying. If the baby has been fed, his or her diaper has been changed and there is no other obvious cause for the crying, McKay says it is acceptable to let the baby cry for a few minutes. She said it is important for parents to recognize when they need to take a break and calm themselves down.
“If they’re still crying, that’s okay,” she said. “If you are frustrated with a crying baby, make sure the baby is safe and walk away for a few minutes and calm yourself down before you go back.”
DHHS guidelines for dealing with a crying baby include laying the baby down on his or her back in a safe crib and going to another room.
Then take deep breaths and count to 10 slowly or call a friend, exercise nearby, listen to music or read a book, going back to check on the baby every five to 10 minutes.
The DHHS recommends a number of actions that may calm the child and help stop the crying. Suggestions include taking the child to a quiet room, holding him or her against your chest and rocking gently, taking the baby for a ride in the car or stroller or placing the baby in an infant swing. Techniques that help calm one child may not calm another child. Parents may need to try a variety of activities in order to comfort their child.
McKay says it is imperative for parents to discuss the dangers of shaking with anyone who is caring for their infant or toddler. If a parent has any suspicion that their child has suffered a shaking injury, they should get medical care right away. “Once damage has occurred, it’s only going to get worse fast,” she said.
Symptoms of SBS include irritability, difficulty breathing, tremors, vomiting, eyes that appear unfocused and the child’s inability to lift his or her head after previously being able to do so. If these symptoms are present, immediate medical care is essential. DHHS urges anyone who believes their baby has been injured in a shaking incident to call 911 or take the child to the nearest hospital emergency room.
McKay said anyone who has questions about SBS or other forms of child abuse is welcome to call CAPstone at 632-7274. Anyone who is aware of any type of child abuse that is happening to a child is urged to call the national child abuse hotline at 1-800-652-1999.