Shaking

Babies have soft brains, weak necks, and sensitive skulls. Shaking a baby too hard can result in permanent brain injury or death from Shaken Baby Syndrome.

What is Shaken Baby Syndrome?
Shaken Baby Syndrome is a traumatic brain injury caused by violently or forcefully shaking a baby. Unlike older children and adults, a baby’s brain and blood vessels are still delicate. A baby’s brain can easily swell, bruise, and bleed with repeated impact. These types of brain injuries restrict oxygen flow in the brain and can permanently destroy brain cells.

Symptoms of Shaken Baby Syndrome

• Seizures
• Trouble breathing
• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty staying awake 
• Body Tremors 
• Coma
• Vomiting
• Discolored Skin
• Paralysis 

Permanent side effects of Shaken Baby Syndrome may include:

• Developmental delays
• Complete or partial vision loss
• Learning disabilities
• Seizures
• Cerebral palsy

Other damages caused by shaking
Developing babies still have a weak muscular and skeletal system, so they are also more likely to suffer from the following when shaken violently:

• Spinal damage
• Skeletal fractures
• Physical bruising

Preventing Shaken Baby Syndrome
Shaken Baby Syndrome is completely preventable as long as you don’t allow your baby to be shaken under any circumstances.

If your baby gives you anxiety from non-stop crying and you feel overwhelmed, put the child down in the crib or allow others to take over for a few minutes. Just never shake the baby or do things that could cause physical harm.