Shaken Baby Syndrome and SIDS Definition Shaken baby

Shaken Baby Syndrome and SIDS

Definition • Shaken baby syndrome (SBS)- the physical abuse and injuries that occur when an infant or small child is violently shaken and or slammed. • Violent whiplash shaking of the head has occurred • https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=kg. HRWH 4 USmw

What triggers Shaking? Inconsolable Crying Inability of caregiver to cope with this frustration that can lead to abuse behavior All Babies Cry! Remember it is not your fault, and don’t take it personally!

Inconsolable Crying • Inability of caregiver to cope with this frustration that can lead to abuse behavior All Babies Cry! Remember it is not your fault, and don’t take it personally!

SBS Is NOT Caused By • Tossing a child in the air • Bouncing a baby on your knee • Using a infant swing • Falling or roughhousing • Jogging with your baby

Signs and Symptoms • • Vomiting Irritable/fussy Lethargic Decreased appetite, weak sucking • Increase crying These symptoms be seen in infants and small children with other illnesses. • Seizures • Rigid posture • Head or forehead appears larger, bulging soft spots • Inability to focus eyes / pupil changes • Decreased level of consciousness • Difficulty Breathing

Common Injuries • Intracranial Bleeding- Bleeding on the brain • Cerebral Edema- Massive brain swelling • Retinal Hemorrhages- Bleeding inside the eye

Other Injuries • Rib Fractures • Fractures Long Bones • Skull Fractures are seen in less than 50% of the shaking victims Rare to find external injuries- bruises

Long Term Effects • • Severe brain damage Learning disabilities Blindness Paralysis Seizures Behavior disorders Hearing impairments Physical disabilities • Death 25% of all victims die 50% live with life long Disabilities

SBS Perpetrators 70 -80 % are young Males (18 -28), with the most being the biological father of the victim or the mother’s boyfriend. Even though the majority of SBS perpetrators are male, it would be very dangerous to assume that anyone is exempt! Anyone who can become frustrated is capable of shaking a child. There is no traditional profile. One cannot look at socioeconomic status, education, history of drug use or abusive background to determine if one is likely to endanger a child by shaking.

Definition • SIDS- sudden infant death syndrome • https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=sf. Vbum. Pt. Z 5 Y

What triggers SIDS? • Most SIDS deaths are diagnosed after all other possible causes are ruled out. • No single risk factor • Rather, several factors combined contribute to death

Stomach Sleeping is a NO NO! • Studies have shown a higher incidence of SIDS among babies placed on their stomach to sleep • Soft surface could create a small enclosure around the babies month and trap exhaled air. As the baby breaths, the oxygen level drops and carbon dioxide accumulates. (Rebreathing)

Potential Risk Factors • Smoking, drinking, or drug use during pregnancy • Poor prenatal care • Prematurity or low birth rate • Mothers younger than 20 • Smoke exposure following birth • Overheating from excessive sleep ware or bedding • Stomach Sleeping

Prevention Steps 1. Parents should avoid fluffy, loose bedding 2. Keep baby's face clear of coverings 3. Do not overheat your baby by overdressing or adding unnecessary covers 4. Do not allow your baby to sleep alongside another person. 5. Keep all "well-child" appointments, including immunizations.

Resources The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome www. dontshake. org Dr. Harvey Karp –The Happiest Baby on the Block www. thehappiestbaby. com