SHAKEN BABY SYNDROME IS PREVENTABLE THROUGH EDUCATION
MOMS Orange County is recognizing Baby Safety Month in September by helping to educate expecting and new parents about Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS), one of the most misunderstood traumas causing preventable casualties among babies and children.
According to the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome (NCSBS), SBS is the leading cause of death in abusive head trauma cases for children. Between 1,200 and 1,400 children are injured or killed by shaking every year in the United States, with 300 of these innocent babies dying every year.
However, with parental education and public awareness, this all-too-common and violent act against children could be averted.
The urge to shake a baby often strikes when infants cry nonstop, seemingly for no reason. During pregnancy, MOMS Orange County clients learn that crying is normal, especially during the 2nd to 4th month, even among healthy babies without colic. In fact, between 80 and 90 percent of babies unleash crying fits lasting 20 to 30 minutes.
Take a Break – Don’t Shake
MOMS Orange County helps clients recognize that leaving their babies to cry for a few minutes is okay. We give pregnant clients information created by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)about SBS, also called abusive head trauma.
Plus, here are some reminders worth passing along to bring an end to this preventative health crisis:
• Babies cry for many reasons during the first months of their lives. This is normal.
• When a baby is crying, check to see if the diaper should be changed. Your baby may be crying because of the uncomfortable feelings. Without verbal skills, infants also cry when they are hungry, too hot or cold, or feel the need to burp.
• Sometimes, parents can soothe their infants by rocking them in their arms, walking their offspring in a stroller or taking them for a drive protected by a car seat manufactured for the child’s height and weight.
• It can be acceptable to put a baby in a crib or other safe place to give parents time to walk away, take a deep breath and count to 10 and return to their child.
• Finally, parenting is not a solo adventure. Frustrated new mothers or fathers should call someone close to them to ask for emotional support or to visit and hold the baby while the parent takes a breather. If your feelings have escalated, you may also call the National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) or visitwww.childhelp.org
In addition to gaining information about SBS prevention from MOMS Orange County or AAP, the Centers for Disease Control produces a guide, downloadable here.
To find out more about MOMS Orange County’s programs, click here or on tabs above.
Lets Join Moms Orange County get the word out about the dangers of Shaken Baby Syndrome. #AwareMomsOC.
Although this should all be common sense, thanks for the important reminder.
Such an important topic, good as a reminder!
This is so important! Babies lives could literally be saved by adults reading and sharing this post, thank you!
This is very important info. Moms get stressed out and need to not take it out on the baby.
This is a really great post. Having a baby can sometimes be stressful, it’s great to have reads like that to help new mother.s
Just today I wrote about parenting skills on my blog and we have been focussing on violence by mothers. This is a sad situation and more awareness regarding mental health support is needed. Thanks for a great post and tips.
That saying is a really good one because it’s memorable. Education is definitely the key, and there’s nothing wrong with taking a break to compose oneself.
This is a must read for parents. I hope this post raises awareness.
Surprising as it may sound, these are the basics, but a lot of parents are not aware of this.
Such a great post and thanks for reminder!! This is so important!!
I can’t imagine actually shaking my baby because I’m losing my patience. I hope every baby who has experienced it, recovers from it.
Such a preventable tragedy. Parents are better off walking away and let the little ones cry.
A baby won’t cry without a reason. It’s important to check right away when they are vrying.
I think we do get to know our babies cries as they progress in age. It’s a learning experience though, for sure, and always always we should check into why they are crying.
This is really important information for all parents of very young babies. Remember even a neighbor may be willing to come in and lend you a hand when you are ready to explode.
Helpful tips for new moms!
This is so important for people to know. Especially, new moms sometimes when you take your child to the babysitter or other places, where people might not know about this information and harm the baby. Thank you so much for sharing. Your helping a lot of babies out there.
One must often leave a crying baby to regather one’s patience. Super important.
This is such important information. I hope you prevent many tragedies. Thanks for keeping babies safe.