< Back to Previous Page New York City Health Hospital Corporation Warns Against Shaken Baby Syndrome and Brain Injury Shaken Baby Syndrome is a serious brain injury which occurs when a frustrated caregiver "shakes" a child, usually to stop him/her from crying. It is considered a form of child abuse. A baby is the greatest gift of all. Yet some parents, siblings, or caretakers whowould not consider hitting a baby, think that shaking a baby is okay. This is WRONG! Shaking a baby, or even a young child, can cause bleeding inside the brain which may lead to: Death Brain Damage Retardation Blindness Paralysis Seizures Developmental delays Protect our future by handling children with the loving care they deserve! The message is simple - never shake a baby. No matter how tired, angry or frustrated you feel, you must never, ever shake a baby. Shaking a baby can kill or cause serious injuries. And remember, some play activities are also dangerous such as: Vigorous, repeated tossing of a small child into the air Jogging while carrying an infant on the back or shoulders Bouncing a child on an adult's knee or swinging the child on an adults leg Swinging the child around by the ankles Spinning a child around COPING WITH A CRYING BABY Make sure all the baby's basic needs (food, diapering, appropriate clothing, etc.) are met Offer the baby a pacifier Walk the baby around holding him/her close to you Call a friend, relative or a neighbor for help If all else fails, put the baby in the crib, making sure the baby is safe. Close the door and check back every five minutes or so. If you are a child care provider and cannot handle a crying baby, please let the parent know. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF SHAKEN BABY SYNDROME Constant crying Stiffness Sleeping more than usual Unable to wake up Seizures Dilated pupils Decreased appetite Vomiting Difficulty breathing Blood spots in eyes