Shaken Baby Syndrome Prevention for middle school students

Let’s see what we know so far

Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS)What is it?

• SBS is a medical term used to describe the injuries that can result if a baby is violently shaken.

• Violent shaking is one of the most devastating forms of child abuse.

Elijah’s Story

What happens when a baby is shaken?

Shaken Baby Syndrome What is it?

Signs that a baby has been shaken

• Broken bones• Unusual crying• Sleepiness• Vomiting or refusing

to eat• Pale or bluish skin• Not breathing• Unconscious

What are the long term results?

• Even with prompt medical attention many babies die.

• Those who survive may have:

•Blindness

•Paralysis

•Deafness

• Learning disabilities

•Coordination problems

•Developmental disabilities

• Seizures

The most common reason

given for shaking a baby

is that the baby

wouldn’t

stop

crying.

All babies cry

• Crying is normal.• Babies cry for many reasons.• ALL babies will have times when

they CANNOT stop crying.

Babies cry to communicateFeeling Middle Schooler 2-month-old

Hunger “When’s dinner? I’m

starved.”

Discomfort “I’m not wearing these shoes. They’re too tight.”

Over-stimulation “Leave me alone.”

Under-stimulation “I’m bored. There’s nothing to do.”

Fatigue “I’ve had a long day”

“CRY!”

“CRY!”

“CRY!”

“CRY!”

“CRY!”

Risk factors for being a victim

• Age• Gender (boy or girl)• Greater demands

for care, for example pre-maturity, illness, or other special needs

Soothing an irritable baby

• Feed baby slowly and burpbaby often.

• Make baby as comfortableas possible.

• Provide gentle motionor relaxing sound.

• Is baby hungry? Thirsty?Bored? Anxious? Sleepy?

• Understand that all babies have times when they cannot stop

crying.

Difficultdevelopmentalphases

Who would shake a baby?

Anyone, but some people are more at risk:

• Late teens and early 20s• Males• Inexperience with babies• People with other risk factors – drug

and alcohol use, mental illness, lack of self-control, high stress

When a baby can’t stop crying

• Try different ways to soothe the baby.• Know that a comforted baby doesn’t

always mean a quiet baby.• Know that crying isn’t always a sign

that something is wrong.• If at anytime you start feeling tense

or frustrated, it is important for you to take a break.

Remember the Rule of• Lay the baby on his back in his crib or

another safe place• Stay feet or more away.• Slowly count to or take deep

breaths to calm yourself down.• After minutes, check on the baby• Repeat if necessary.• If you still feel stressed, call

someone for help

It’s okay to ask for help

• Someone who can come over right away and help

• The baby’s doctor, or nurse helpline

• Local community resources

Have the phone numbers of people who can help when the crying is too much.

My pledge

This hand will never harm a baby Signed:

Pass the message on

This material was developed by the SBS Prevention K12 curriculum team

• Susan Abbey – Children’s Trust Fund• Pamela Anderson – Middleton School District• Anne Haverland – Oshkosh School District• Nancy Graese – CESA 11• Nancy Merwin – Cuba City School District• Sue Mokler – Ripon School District• Wendi Schreiter – Wisconsin Shaken Baby

Association

Copyright © Children’s Trust Fund of Wisconsin

Acknowledgements National Shaken Baby Association The Children of Shaken Baby Syndrome SBS Prevention Network, Alberta Canada

Thanks for your time and your commitment to never harm a baby.

Pass the message on