Shaken Baby Syndrome: Prevention, Symptoms, and Resources for Parents

Discover crucial information about Shaken Baby Syndrome to safeguard your child’s well-being and ensure a safe, nurturing environment for your baby.

Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS), also known as Abusive Head Trauma, is a severe form of child abuse that can result in devastating consequences for infants and young children. The impact on families and caregivers can be overwhelming, necessitating access to comprehensive support systems and resources. Understanding SBS, its prevention, and available services is crucial for those affected by this condition. From medical care and rehabilitation to emotional support and legal assistance, a wide range of resources exists to help patients, families, and caregivers navigate the challenges associated with SBS. Accessing these support options is essential for promoting healing, improving outcomes, and preventing future incidents of abuse.


Shaken Baby Syndrome Fact Sheets: Key Information About the Disease

MedlinePlus: Shaken Baby Syndrome: A comprehensive overview of Shaken Baby Syndrome, including causes, symptoms, and prevention.

New York State Department of Health: Shaken Baby Syndrome Fact Sheet: Provides essential information on Shaken Baby Syndrome, its consequences, and prevention strategies.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Abusive Head Trauma Fact Sheet: Offers detailed information on Abusive Head Trauma, including Shaken Baby Syndrome, risk factors, and prevention methods.

National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome: SBS/AHT Fact Sheet: Provides a concise overview of Shaken Baby Syndrome and Abusive Head Trauma, including statistics and prevention tips.

American Academy of Pediatrics: Abusive Head Trauma (Shaken Baby Syndrome): Offers information on recognizing, preventing, and responding to Shaken Baby Syndrome for parents and caregivers.


Advocating for Shaken Baby Syndrome: A List of Patient Advocacy Groups

Shaken Baby Alliance provides support for victim families and professionals, prevention of child abuse, and advocates for justice for innocent victims of Shaken Baby Syndrome.

National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome offers education, prevention programs, and resources for families affected by Shaken Baby Syndrome, as well as training for professionals.

Prevent Child Abuse America works to prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome through education, advocacy, and support programs for families and communities.

The Period of PURPLE Crying provides education and resources to parents and caregivers about normal infant crying patterns and strategies to prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome.

Child Abuse Prevention Association offers prevention programs, support services, and advocacy for victims of child abuse, including Shaken Baby Syndrome.

Childhelp provides crisis intervention, education, and support services for victims of child abuse, including those affected by Shaken Baby Syndrome.

American SPCC offers education, resources, and advocacy to prevent child abuse, including Shaken Baby Syndrome, and support affected families.


Finding Support: A Directory of Shaken Baby Syndrome Support Groups

Grandparents of Shaken Baby Syndrome Victims Support Group offers a Facebook community for grandparents affected by Shaken Baby Syndrome to share experiences, resources, and emotional support.

Shaken Baby Syndrome Support – Families of Angels provides a Facebook platform for families who have lost children to Shaken Baby Syndrome to connect, share memories, and offer mutual support.

Shaken Baby Syndrome Support is a Facebook group that offers a space for families, caregivers, and survivors of Shaken Baby Syndrome to share experiences, advice, and support.

The Shaken Baby Alliance Support Group provides peer support, community resource referrals, and various services for families affected by Shaken Baby Syndrome.

National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome Family Support offers resources, support, and connections to local services for families impacted by Shaken Baby Syndrome.

Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline provides 24/7 support, crisis intervention, and resources for families dealing with child abuse, including Shaken Baby Syndrome.


Connecting with Others: Online Forums and Discussion Boards for Shaken Baby Syndrome Patients

Shaken Baby Syndrome Support Group on Facebook offers a platform for families, caregivers, and survivors to share experiences, ask questions, and provide mutual support.

Grandparents of Shaken Baby Syndrome Victims Support Group on Facebook provides a space for grandparents affected by Shaken Baby Syndrome to connect, share stories, and offer support to one another.

Shaken Baby Syndrome Support – Families of Angels on Facebook is a group for families who have lost children to Shaken Baby Syndrome, offering a place to share memories and find emotional support.


Participating in Research: Current Shaken Baby Syndrome Clinical Trials

ClinicalTrials.gov – Shaken Baby Syndrome Studies: A database of privately and publicly funded clinical studies conducted around the world, including those focusing on Shaken Baby Syndrome in the United States.

National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) – Shaken Baby Syndrome Research: Offers access to scientific articles and research studies related to Shaken Baby Syndrome, providing insights into ongoing research efforts.

National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome – Research Initiatives: Provides information on recent research and studies focused on understanding and preventing Shaken Baby Syndrome, as well as improving outcomes for affected children.


Managing Costs: Financial Assistance for Shaken Baby Syndrome Patients

The Matty Eappen Foundation offers grants for child abuse prevention programs, victim and family support, and sibling secondary educational support for those affected by Shaken Baby Syndrome.

Shaken Baby Alliance provides assistance in accessing Crime Victim’s Compensation Funding and offers referrals to community resources that may include financial support for families affected by Shaken Baby Syndrome.

National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome offers information on various financial assistance options and resources for families impacted by Shaken Baby Syndrome, including links to state-specific victim compensation programs.

Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline provides referrals to local resources, including potential financial assistance programs, for families dealing with child abuse, including Shaken Baby Syndrome.

Office for Victims of Crime administers the Crime Victims Fund, which can provide financial assistance to victims of violent crimes, including Shaken Baby Syndrome, through state compensation programs.


Traditional Treatments: Conventional Medicine for Shaken Baby Syndrome

American Academy of Pediatrics provides guidelines for the evaluation and management of abusive head trauma, including Shaken Baby Syndrome, for pediatricians and other healthcare providers.

National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome offers resources and training for medical professionals on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome.

Child Neurology Foundation provides information on the neurological aspects of Shaken Baby Syndrome and connects families with child neurologists for specialized care.

American Association of Neurological Surgeons offers information on neurosurgical interventions and treatments for Shaken Baby Syndrome.

American Academy of Ophthalmology provides resources on the ocular manifestations and treatments of Shaken Baby Syndrome for eye care professionals.

Society for Pediatric Radiology offers guidance on imaging techniques and interpretation for suspected cases of Shaken Baby Syndrome.

American Physical Therapy Association provides resources on physical therapy interventions for children affected by Shaken Baby Syndrome.


Exploring Alternatives: Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Shaken Baby Syndrome

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health provides information on complementary health approaches for children, including those with neurological conditions that may result from Shaken Baby Syndrome.

Cerebral Palsy Guide offers information on alternative therapies that may benefit children with neurological conditions similar to those caused by Shaken Baby Syndrome, such as hippotherapy, music therapy, and aquatic therapy.

The Period of PURPLE Crying provides information on alternative soothing methods for crying infants, which can help prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome by offering caregivers non-violent coping strategies.

American Academy of Pediatrics offers guidance on alternative approaches to managing infant discomfort and crying, which can be helpful in preventing situations that may lead to Shaken Baby Syndrome.


Supporting Loved Ones: Resources for Shaken Baby Syndrome Families and Caregivers

The Shaken Baby Alliance offers peer support groups, community resource referrals, medical provider referrals, special education assistance, and mental health resources for families affected by Shaken Baby Syndrome.

National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome provides a comprehensive list of national and state-specific resources for families and caregivers, including support groups, disability resources, and crime victim assistance.

The Period of PURPLE Crying offers educational resources for parents and caregivers about normal infant crying patterns and strategies to prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome.

Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline provides 24/7 support, crisis intervention, and resources for families dealing with child abuse, including Shaken Baby Syndrome.

The Compassionate Friends supports families after the death of a child, including those affected by Shaken Baby Syndrome, offering grief resources and local chapter meetings.

The Brain Injury Association of America provides information, resources, and support for individuals with brain injuries and their families, including those affected by Shaken Baby Syndrome.

The Tears Foundation offers financial assistance for funeral and burial costs to families who have lost a child, including victims of Shaken Baby Syndrome.


Navigating Shaken Baby Syndrome in School: Resources for Students

Shaken Baby Alliance – Student Education Program offers “When Babies Cry… We C.O.P.E.” presentations for middle and high school students, educating them about the dangers of shaking babies and providing coping strategies.

The Period of PURPLE Crying – School Program provides curriculum materials for high school students to learn about infant crying patterns and Shaken Baby Syndrome prevention.


Raising a Child with Shaken Baby Syndrome: Guidance and Support

Shaken Baby Alliance provides support services for families raising children affected by Shaken Baby Syndrome, including peer support groups, medical provider referrals, and special education assistance.

National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome offers resources and guidance for parents and caregivers of children affected by Shaken Baby Syndrome, including information on long-term care and rehabilitation.

Child Neurology Foundation offers resources and support for families raising children with neurological conditions resulting from Shaken Baby Syndrome.

United Cerebral Palsy offers resources and support for families caring for children with disabilities that may result from Shaken Baby Syndrome, such as cerebral palsy.

Family Voices provides support and resources for families of children with special healthcare needs, including those affected by Shaken Baby Syndrome.


Frequently Asked Questions about Shaken Baby Syndrome

What is Shaken Baby Syndrome?
Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS), also known as Abusive Head Trauma, is a serious brain injury resulting from violently shaking an infant or toddler. It destroys brain cells and prevents the brain from getting enough oxygen, potentially causing permanent brain damage or death.

How long does it take to cause Shaken Baby Syndrome?
Shaking a baby for as little as 5 to 20 seconds can cause severe and irreversible brain damage. The fragile brain of an infant moves back and forth inside the skull when shaken, leading to bruising, swelling, and bleeding.

What are the signs and symptoms of Shaken Baby Syndrome?
Symptoms may include extreme irritability, difficulty staying awake, breathing problems, poor feeding, vomiting, pale or bluish skin, seizures, paralysis, and coma. Some signs may not be immediately apparent and can develop over time.

Who is most at risk for Shaken Baby Syndrome?
Infants under one year of age are at the highest risk, with the peak incidence occurring between 2 and 4 months. However, SBS can affect children up to 5 years old.

What causes someone to shake a baby?
The most common trigger for shaking a baby is frustration or anger in response to persistent crying. Caregivers who are stressed, sleep-deprived, or unprepared for the challenges of childcare may be more likely to react by shaking the baby.

Can Shaken Baby Syndrome be prevented?
Yes, SBS is entirely preventable. Education about the dangers of shaking, strategies for coping with crying babies, and support for caregivers are key to prevention. It’s crucial for all caregivers to understand that shaking a baby is never safe.

What should I do if I suspect a baby has been shaken?
If you suspect a baby has been shaken, seek immediate medical attention. Call 911 or take the baby to the nearest emergency room. Early diagnosis and treatment can be critical in reducing the severity of injuries.

Are there long-term effects of Shaken Baby Syndrome?
Survivors of SBS may face lifelong challenges including learning disabilities, visual impairment or blindness, hearing impairment, seizures, cerebral palsy, and behavioral problems. Some children may require ongoing medical care and support.

How is Shaken Baby Syndrome diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves a combination of clinical examination, imaging tests such as CT scans or MRIs, and eye examinations to check for retinal bleeding. Doctors may also look for evidence of other injuries consistent with abuse.

Is it safe to bounce a baby on your knee or toss them in the air?
While gentle bouncing or playful movements are generally safe, any action that causes the head to whip back and forth can be dangerous. It’s important to always support a baby’s head and neck and avoid any vigorous shaking or jerking motions.


Hope for the Future: Current Research and Potential Cures for Shaken Baby Syndrome

National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome – Research provides updates on ongoing research projects and studies related to Shaken Baby Syndrome prevention and treatment.

The Matty Eappen Foundation – Research Grants supports research projects focused on prevention, treatment, and long-term care for victims of Shaken Baby Syndrome through their grant program.

Penn State Health Children’s Hospital – Shaken Baby Syndrome Research conducts ongoing research to improve diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome.

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke – Shaken Baby Syndrome Information Page provides updates on current research efforts and potential treatments for Shaken Baby Syndrome.

Child Neurology Foundation – Abusive Head Trauma Research offers information on ongoing research and advancements in understanding and treating Abusive Head Trauma, including Shaken Baby Syndrome.


Related Subjects
Abuse of People with Disabilities
Brain Injuries
Just for Parents (and Service Providers)
Neurological Disorders
Specific Disabilities
Resources In Your State