Shaken Baby Syndrome Statistics

Submitted by Nick on April 26, 2012

Shaken baby syndrome is when the baby is shaken around, literally, leading to a set of complications which could lead to the baby’s death. That shaking can impact the baby’s head as it is small and soft. The brain moves around, causing brain cells to burst and lead to mortal danger for the child. This syndrome can affect a child till it is 5 years old.

The shaken baby syndrome occurs because of frustration on part of the parent or caregiver while handling a small baby who is not able to articulate what it is...

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Shaken Baby Syndrome Symptoms
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... going through. Constant crying usually acts as a trigger. The parent loses control at one weak moment and gives the baby a shake. Signs include minor neurological symptoms like irritability, lethargy, vomiting and tremors to more serious symptoms like coma, stupor, seizures and even death. Information on shaken baby syndrome tells us it is classified as a form a of child abuse.

This usually happens because of the destruction of brain cells due to trauma of shaking the baby around. Excessive damage to the one or both eyes is often seen in the babies. Sometimes the baby could also see fractures on those body parts that were held while shaking the baby like the arm or the ribs. There can even be long term disabilities like cognitive and learning disabilities, hearing and speech impairment, behavioral disorders. Statistics on shaken baby syndrome are quite appalling. Shaken baby syndrome facts and statistics show us that it is a very common incidence. One in every four babies dies of it. About 15 per cent of children’s deaths are caused by shaking. Of the children that survive death, almost all show deadly injuries.

The important thing is to be patient. Your baby is small, still getting used to life outside the womb and could be crying for any number of reasons. Your infant could cry for 2 to 3 hours or even more. You can find different ways to soothe the baby and not lose control yourself. If your baby is constantly crying, take it for a walk or a ride in the stroller. Hold the baby against your chest and gently massage it. Try rocking or dancing with your baby. Offer your baby a pacifier. If you are still unable to calm the baby down, call some support like a friend or another family member. Let them take over for some time and you take some much need rest.

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