Shaken Baby Syndrome

Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) is a form of child abuse that occurs when a baby’s brain or eyes are injured because he was shaken to such an extent that his brain bounced back and forth against his skull. SBS usually occurs in babies younger than two years but has been seen in children up to the age of five years.

Rest assured that gentle bouncing, playful swinging, tossing Baby in the air and jogging with Baby will not cause SBS.

The symptoms of SBS include extreme irritability, lethargy and listlessness, poor feeding, difficulty breathing, convulsions, and pale or bluish skin. Nearly all victims of SBS suffer serious health consequences like blindness and cerebral palsy, and approximately one in every four babies with SBS will die. Most infants that survive SBS will require lifelong medical care.

How to prevent SBS

If you become so stressed that you think you may hurt your baby, take a deep breath, place Baby somewhere safe, like in his crib, and leave the room. If possible, try calling someone you trust to watch Baby while you calm down. Take a safe homeopathic remedy for anxiety, and seek professional counselling. Also, choose your baby’s caregivers carefully, and if you suspect someone may be abusing your baby, never ignore your instincts!

If you suspect your child has SBS, take him or her to a hospital or clinic immediately.