Young couple calmly soothing crying baby.

Shaken Baby Syndrome

Home Health and Wellness Babies and ToddlersShaken Baby Syndrome

Shaken baby syndrome happens when someone shakes a baby

Shaking your baby can seriously injury them.

Shaking a baby can cause their brain to bounce back and forth in their skull. This can lead to serious, lasting injuries or even death.

Shaken baby syndrome can happen at any age. Babies younger than one year old are at a high risk because they cry more often. Crying may trigger a frustrated parent or caregiver to shake a baby.

What can you do to soothe a crying baby?

If your baby is crying, meet their basic needs first:

Feed your baby.
Check your baby's diaper.
Comfort your baby.
Put your baby down for a nap.

If you have met all their basic needs, try these:

Rock your baby.
Burp your baby.
Play soft music.
Snuggle your baby close to you, skin to skin.
Take your baby for a walk.
Give your baby a warm bath.
Ask for help from your partner, a family member or friend.

What if the crying does not stop?

If your baby keeps crying after you tried to soothe them, stay calm:

Gently put the baby in their crib and leave the room.
Take slow, deep breaths.
Cry.
Take a shower or bath.
Listen to music.
Close your eyes and count to 100.
Call a friend or relative and ask for help.

Have a plan before you get upset or frustrated. Just a few seconds of shaking a baby can cause blindness, brain damage or death.

Signs of shaken baby syndrome

Here are some signs to look for in a shaken baby:

Sleepier than usual or more fussy than usual.
Refusing to eat or not feeding well.
Vomiting for no reason.
Acting differently, such as no longer babbling, smiling or making eye contact.
Body is shaking, stiff or limp.
Not breathing well or breathing differently than normal.
Eyes are not focused or are rolling back.

If you notice these signs and think it is shaken baby syndrome, call 911 or take the baby to an emergency room right away.

Parenting help

Being a parent is not easy. A baby's constant crying can be stressful. It can also be frustrating.

Try to have support so you can take a break. Find a friend, family member or someone you trust to look after your baby. Tell them what to do when the baby cries. Make sure they understand the dangers of shaking a baby.

For more information, visit the Canadian Paediatric Society's Caring for Kids website.

Call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000. They are open 24 hours.