Kock, Jo. 2007, Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS), Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-07-49

What is Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS)?

Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) is a term used to describe a type of inflicted traumatic brain injury that happens when a baby is violently shaken. A baby has weak neck muscles and a large, heavy head. Shaking makes the fragile brain bounce back and forth inside the skull. This can cause bruising, swelling and bleeding which can lead to permanent, severe brain damage or even death.

One of the characteristic injuries of SBS is bleeding in the brain. Because the brain controls the entire body, damage to the brain may affect any function. Shaking a child can result in:

  • Death
  • Brain Damage
  • Paralysis
  • Seizures
  • Blindness and/or Deafness
  • Mental Retardation
  • Severe Motor Dysfunction
  • Attention Deficit Disorder
  • Dyslexia
  • Learning and Developmental Disabilities

SBS can also cause bleeding in the retina of the eye, damage to spinal cord and neck, and fractures of the ribs and bones. These injuries may not be immediately noticeable.

Happy Baby

Common Symptoms of SBS

  • Extreme irritability
  • Lethargy
  • Poor feeding
  • Poor sucking or swallowing
  • Breathing problems
  • Convulsions
  • Vomiting
  • Pale or bluish skin
  • No smiling or talking
  • Seizures
  • Inability to lift head
  • Head or forehead appears larger than usual
  • Soft-spot on head appears bulging
  • Inability of eyes to focus or track movement
  • Unequal size of pupils

Any of these symptoms can lead to severe disability or death. If you suspect a child has been shaken, seek medical help immediately. SBS injuries usually occur in children younger than 2 years old, but may be seen in children up to the age of 5.

Mother and baby

Crying

Crying is normal but it can also be a trigger to violence. All babies cry, but some cry more than others. Dealing with a crying baby can be very hard. It can be irritating and frustrating to listen to a baby cry. Parents often don’t realize just how frustrating it can be until they are in a stressful situation. Research shows that crying is the number one trigger leading caregivers to violently shake their baby. Caregivers need to realize that crying is a baby’s only way to communicate needs and wants.

Some of the more common reasons for crying are:

  • Soiled diaper
  • Hunger
  • Over tired
  • Need to suck
  • Pain
  • Illness
  • Stress
  • Attempt to communicate
  • Colic

Mother kissing baby

How to Help a Crying Baby

  • Change diaper
  • Feed baby
  • Hold close and rock
  • Wrap in soft blanket
  • Massage baby’s back
  • Feed slowly, burp often
  • Put on soft music
  • Sing to baby
  • Take baby for car or stroller ride
  • Ask another parent for help
  • If breastfeeding, avoid strong foods
  • Have patience

Parents holding baby

Ways to Help Prevent SBS

  • NEVER SHAKE A BABY
  • Always provide support for a baby’s head
  • Educate other caregivers about the danger of shaking a baby
  • Learn positive ways to soothe a crying baby
  • Take a break or ask for help when you are stressed
  • Love and cuddle your baby

Father holding baby

Resources

  • Child Crisis Center - East Valley, Inc. Preventing Shaken Baby Syndrome. Retrieved 7/17/07. Mesa, AZ. 
  • National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome. Retrieved 8/7/07. NCSBS
  • National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), 2005, National Institutes of Health, DHHS, Bethesda, MD. 
  • National Institute of Health. Retrieved 2/14/07. Bethesda, MD. 

Learn more about the author(s)

 

Also of Interest:

 
learning to talk
Toddler Language Development
During the toddler years (12 to 35 months), children’s language development grows rapidly. Toddlers gain the ability to say words clearly, combine words into phrases, and express their needs and wants.
Byington, T. and Kim, Y. 2015, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, Fact Sheet-15-05
Young Children Who Learn Self Control Have More Chances for Success
Preschoolers who are better at self control become more self-confident, more independent, better at handling stress and frustration, and better in academic performance during adolescence. Parents and child care providers play a vital role in helping young children develop self c...
Kim, Y. 2011, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, Fact Sheet FS-11-57
Developmental Milestones for Toddlers
This fact sheet explains the many things toddlers can do from 12 to 36 months.
Kock, J. 2006, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-06-78
The Benefits of Employing Certified Babysitters
This fact sheet explains the benefits of employing certified babysitters by exploring the skills, expectations, and certification of certified babysitters.
Clark, M., Caldera, Z., and Leigh, G. 2004, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-04-64
You And Your Baby: The Nurturing Team…
This fact sheet contains extensive information on nurturing a baby from the early months (12-24). Learn more about foods and facts that will help benefit your toddler years.
Sigman-Grant. M. 2002, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-02-14