Shaken baby syndrome, part of abusive head trauma, is serious brain injury caused by violently shaking a baby or striking their head. It can lead to blindness, seizures, lasting disability or death, and inconsolable crying is the most common trigger.
Key takeaways
- It is entirely preventable.
- Crying is normal and peaks around 2 months.
- Everyone who cares for your baby should know how to cope with crying.
What you can do
- If crying becomes too much, put your baby on their back in a safe cot, leave the room and take a few minutes to calm down.
- Call a friend, relative or helpline for support.
- Share this information with every caregiver.
When to talk to your doctor
If you think a baby has been shaken, call your local emergency number straight away, even if they seem fine; signs include vomiting, extreme sleepiness, irritability, breathing problems or seizures.
