Shaken Baby Syndrome

Introduction

Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS), a form of abusive head trauma, occurs when an adult or older child violently shakes a young child, sometimes hitting the baby's head on a surface such as a bed or floor. Nearly all victims of SBS have serious health consequences, such as brain injury, cerebral palsy, seizures and paralysis, and at least one of every four babies who are violently shaken dies. Most adults who admit to shaking a baby say that they became frustrated and upset when the baby would not stop crying. Evidence based research suggests that programs that teach parents and caregivers about the dangers of shaking a baby, as well as ways to cope with the stresses of caring for a child, are very effective in reducing the incidence of SBS. In New York State, all hospitals are required to offer new parents the option of viewing a video on Shaken Baby Syndrome, including ways to cope with a crying child. It is important to reach as many current or future caregivers as possible to share this important message with them:

Never, Ever, Shake, a Baby

The following resources are provided as guide to conducting your agency's SBS prevention program. The materials below may be used to increase community awareness and implement prevention strategies.

Information for Parents

The following are tools and educational resources for parents and caregivers to help prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome.

Additional Resources

Below is a list of hotlines and additional websites that parents and caregivers can refer to for more information and support.