Shaken Baby Syndrome

Please review this Shaken Baby Syndrome FAQ published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Newborn to 4-month-old babies are at greatest risk of injury from shaking. Most cases occur when baby is 3 to 8 months.

Please discuss the below tips for soothing baby when she cries. What's already working? A pacifier, massage, specific food, etc.
Please discuss baby’s current schedule with the parents. When does baby usually eat, nap, play, etc?
Maintaining a regular schedule will help keep the child in a good mood, reducing stress on the caregiver as well.

Traumatic brain injury may occur when an adult violently shakes a baby in frustration. Here are tips to soothe a crying baby.

Meet the child's basic needs first!

feed baby if she’s hungry
lay baby down for a nap if she’s sleepy
change baby's diaper if needed
make sure the baby is not sick
make sure the room temperature is comfortable for baby
burp the baby if needed (lay child on back and gently “bicycle” the legs to remove gas pain)

After you have met the child's basic needs, try the following:

make direct eye contact and smile
gently speak directly to the crying child; use kind, positive words
gently stroke baby's forehead with your fingertips
take the baby for a walk
offer a pacifier
gently rock and/or sing to the baby
IF NOTHING ELSE WORKS, make sure your baby is safely in her crib or Pack 'n Play and let her spend a few minutes alone (but still under your supervision or the parent’s supervision).

always support the baby's head (never toss or bounce a 2-month-old during playtime)
maintain consistency in the baby's schedule
don’t share negative thoughts about crying in front of baby; this may increase the child's stress
provide child with a stimulating environment, but not over-stimulating
provide child with an environment that is safe, but not overly restrictive