THE DANGER OF SHAKE BABY - SHAKEN BABY SYNDROME
New born baby are very fragile, please do not shake a baby. This happen usually
when adults get frustrated and angry with baby, then shake the baby violently.
If we are take care of baby, that is very important to understand the danger
of shaking the baby. Also we should tell everyone who cares our baby that NEVER
EVER shake the baby for any reason.
What is Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) ?
When a baby is vigorously shaken, the head moves back and forth. This sudden
whiplash motion can cause bleeding inside the head and increased pressure on
the brain, causing the brain to pull apart and resulting in injury to the baby.
This is known as Shaken Baby Syndrome, and is one of the leading forms of fatal
child abuse. A baby's head and neck are susceptible to head trauma because his
or her muscles are not fully developed and the brain tissue is exceptionally
fragile. Head trauma is the leading cause of disability among abused infants
and children.
Shaken Baby Syndrome occurs most frequently in infants younger than six months
old, yet can occur up to the age of three. Often there are no obvious outward
signs if inside injury, particularly in the head or behind the eyes. In reality,
shaking a baby, if only for a few seconds, can injure the baby for life. These
injuries can include brain swelling and damage; cerebral palsy; mental retardation;
developmental delays; blindness; hearing loss; paralysis and death. When a child
is shaken in anger and frustration, the force is multiplied five or 10 times
than it would be if the child had simply tripped and fallen.
How does it happen?
Often frustrated parents or other persons responsible for a child's care feel
that shaking a baby is a harmless way to make a child stop crying. The number
one reason a baby is shaken is because of inconsolable crying. Almost 25 percent
of all babies with Shaken Baby Syndrome die. It is estimated that 25-50 percent
of parents and caretakers aren't aware of the effects of shaking a baby.
What can you do to prevent a tragedy?
If you or someone else shakes a baby, either accidentally or on purpose, call
911 or take the child to the emergency room immediately. Bleeding in side the
brain can be treated. Immediate medical attention will save your baby many future
problems . . . and possible the baby's life.
| Other
Suggestions for Parents |
| Never throw or shake a baby |
Always provide support for the baby's head
and neck |
Place the baby in a crib, leave the room
for a few minutes |
Sit down, close your eyes and count to
20 |
| Take the baby for a stroller ride |
Play music, or sing to the baby |
Ask a friend to "take over" for
a while |
Don't pick the baby up until you feel calm |
| Make sure the baby is fed, burped and dry |
Gently rock or walk the baby |
Check for discomfort of diaper rash,
teething or fever |
Call the doctor if you think the baby is
sick |
| Make sure clothing is not too tight |
Give the baby a pacifier |
Offer a noisy toy or rattle |
Hug and cuddle the baby gently |
(by National Exchange Club Foundation, preventchildabuse.com)
Shaken Baby Syndrome Symptoms
Here are a few symptoms of Shaken Baby Syndrome that have already been discovered:
- Head turned to one side.
- Unable to lift or turn head.
- Pinpointed, dilated, or unequal size pupils.
- Blood pooling in the eyes.
- Pupils unresponsive to light.
- Bulging or spongy forehead.
- No smiling or vocalization.
- Poor sucking or swallowing.
- Rigidity.
- Semi-consciousness, lethargy, or decreased muscle tone.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Seizures or spasms.
- Swollen head, which may appear later.
Shaken Baby Syndrome Statistics
- One shaken baby in four dies.
Some studies estimate that 15% of children's deaths are due to battering or
shaking, and an additional 15% are possible cases of shaking.
- Of the 37 children that died in Florida in 1995-96 13 died from a combination
of Shaken Baby Syndrome/ Head Trauma.
- Of the thousands that survive death, serious injury usually occurs.
"SBS" victims range in age from a few days to a few months old;
the average is six months.
- More than 60% of the victims of Shaken Baby Syndrome are male.
- Almost 80% of the perpetrators of Shaken Baby Syndrome are male
These Shaken Baby Syndrome Statistics are scarry, at best. Please help us spread
the word about Shaken Baby Syndrome. (by aboutshakenbaby.com)
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