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Shaken Baby Syndrome

Never Shake a Baby

Shaking a baby, even for a second, can cause serious injury or death. Shaken Baby Syndrome is a serious type of brain injury that happens when an infant or toddler is violently shaken—usually in response to crying that will not stop.

Babies’ neck muscles aren't strong and don’t provide much support for their heads. When someone forcefully shakes a baby; the baby’s brain repeatedly strikes the inside of the skull, injuring the brain. It is important to know that shaking a baby is a serious form of child abuse with serious consequences for the adult too.

Why Do Babies Cry?

Babies cry because they have to—there is no other way for a baby to talk. They cry because they need to tell you they are hungry or thirsty, uncomfortable, ill, frustrated, tired, scared, or lonely.

Some babies cry before bed—or naptime—when they are very tired. Others may be teething, have gas, or colic. Sometimes the answer is as simple as food or a diaper change; other times the crying is a mystery that seems to go on forever and nothing works to stop it.

Remember, it’s normal for all babies to cry sometimes.

• All babies cry. Your baby may cry more each day until they are 2 to 3 months old.
• Babies often cry more in the evenings.
• Crying can last 30-40 minutes and even longer. An infant may spend 2-3 hours a day crying.
• Babies often cry intensely when they are not in pain, even though they may look like they are in pain.
• Sometimes your baby may need to cry to relieve stress.
• Crying may come and go, and you won't know why.
• Crying may not stop no matter what you try.
• Take comfort in knowing that the crying will eventually stop.
• Your job as a parent is not to make your baby stop crying but to provide comfort and support.

How to Calm a Crying Baby

• Check physical needs first: Is the baby hungry? Thirsty? Need to be burped? Too hot or too cold? Diaper dirty?
• Check for signs of illness or fever. If you think the baby may be sick, seek medical attention immediately.
• Rock the baby, hold the baby close or walk with the baby.
• Stand up, hold the baby close and repeatedly bend at your knees.
• Sing or talk to the baby in a soothing voice.
• Gently rub or stroke the baby’s back, chest or tummy.
• Offer a pacifier or try to distract the baby with a rattle or toy.
• Swaddle the baby with a soft blanket.
• Turn on some music or noise like a vacuum cleaner or clothes dryer.
• Take the baby for a ride in a stroller or in a car seat in the car.

Try each of the above for a few minutes before trying something else, or try a few together. If nothing seems to work, it is OK to leave the baby in a safe place (like a crib) for a few minutes and take time to calm down. Leave the room. Shut the door. Take a few deep breaths. Call a friend, family member or your health-care provider if needed.