What mums need to know about Shaken Baby Syndrome
Have you ever heard of the Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS)? It's also known as abusive head trauma and is a serious condition that occurs when an infant or child up to age 4 is violently shaken.
A baby's neck muscles are weak and can't fully support the head. Severe shaking causes the baby's head to move violently back and forth, slams the brain against the skull and damages brain tissue, nerves and blood vessels causing brain swelling. Symptoms include lethargy, irritability, vomiting, lack of appetite, difficulty breathing, and seizures.
Shaking a baby can cause bleeding into the eyes and brain, spinal injuries, fractures of the skull, rib or limbs and in severe cases, death. It may also result in serious long term disabilities like partial or complete blindness, hearing loss, seizure disorders, speech or learning disabilities and cerebral palsy.
Everyone needs to understand the dangers of shaking a baby, as it can happen accidentally in moments of frustration or anger. It's important to note that most SBS cases are caused by a parent or caregiver who shakes the baby in frustration to stop the baby crying.
Shaken baby syndrome is completely preventable and caregivers should learn how to cope with the daily stress of caring for a baby. This can be quite challenging, especially for first-time parents and one can quickly feel overwhelmed.
Just remember, it is never safe to shake, throw, or hit any child.
The following tips may help:
Take a deep breath and count to 10
Take time out and let the baby cry alone
See a doctor – there may be a medical reason why the baby is crying
Call someone for emotional support
Find a support group
Talk to a counselor.
Never leave a baby with a carer, friend or family member whom you don't trust
Always do careful background checks before entrusting a baby to a carer or daycare center
If you suspect that a baby has been shaken, seek medical attention immediately. The syndrome can be difficult to diagnose, but a doctor will be able to rule out other potential causes and provide the appropriate treatment.
Shaken baby syndrome is a serious condition that can have devastating consequences. All caregivers need to be aware of the dangers of shaking a baby, and seek support if struggling to cope with the stress of childcare. Remember that a calm and loving environment is the best way to ensure a happy and healthy baby.
With that covered, Did you know we are offering 50 moms the rare opportunity to get free medical checks? Yes, for every weekend in march, you can book a free consultation with us, courtesy of Neo childcare.