What Every Parent Needs to Know About Shaken Baby Syndrome
Babies can't talk!
They cry when they are unhappy or have a problem.
Babies may cry because they are:
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 | Hot or Cold |
 | Scared |
 | Want to be held or rocked |
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Sometimes babies cry no matter what you do!
It is never okay to shake or hit your baby! Shaking or hitting your
baby can cause:
 | Blindness |
 | Bleeding in the brain |
 | Brain damage |
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 | Mental retardation |
 | Death |
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It only takes once to hurt your baby for the rest of his or her life!
You can comfort your baby by:
 | Changing his diaper |
 | Feeding her |
 | Holding or carrying him |
 | Wrapping or unwrapping her blanket |
 | Gentle rocking |
 | Taking him for a walk outside |
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You can comfort yourself by:
 | Taking a break--lay your baby down and go to another room |
 | Breathing slowly and deeply |
 | Asking for help--have your partner, mom or a friend take
over |
 | Calling a friend or relative to talk |
 | Remember that your baby is not trying to upset you on
purpose |
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Remember--all parents feel worried, tense, frustrated and tired
sometimes. It's okay to feel this way. Just remember to never take your
feelings out on your baby.
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Babies' necks are weak and their heads wobble easily .
 | Never shake your baby. |
 | Never bounce your baby |
 | Never toss your baby in the air. |
 | Never hit your baby. |
 | Never jerk your baby around. |
 | Never swing your baby by his arms or legs. |
 | Never pick up your baby by one arm. |
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Where can you go for help?
| Call your health care provider |
| They can check your baby and make sure your baby is healthy. |
| They can give you advice on ways to calm your baby. |
| Join with a group of new parents like yourself: |
| Call your health care provider, clinic, care coordinator or The
Gift of Life Foundation for more information. |
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