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 |
|
| 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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