Shaken Baby Syndrome (Shaken Baby Syndrome) is a severe form of brain trauma that can occur if you violently shake an infant as a reaction to his or her inconsolable crying. It can cause irreparable damage and, in one in four cases, coma and death.
Do you know what causes it?
Scientific research has shown that violent shaking of an infant can cause:
- Brain trauma: Brain hemorrhage, edema, diffuse axonal injury
- Retinal damage: Retinal hemorrhages that can lead to blindness
- Spinal injuries: Damage to the spinal cord and cervical vertebrae
- Long-term consequences: Cognitive and motor disabilities, epilepsy, blindness
- Mortality: In 1 in 4 cases, shaking can be fatal
Infants and infants are particularly vulnerable because their neck muscles are weak, their heads are proportionately larger, and their brains are still developing.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO PROTECT YOUR CHILD?
You too can make a difference. Here’s how to protect your child:
- Inform yourself: Know the risks of shaking and the irreversible consequences
- Get help: Inconsolable crying is normal. You are not alone. Seek support from family, friends or professionals
- Take a break: If you feel overwhelmed, put the child in a safe place and step away for a few minutes
- Share: Spread knowledge among other parents, grandparents, babysitters
- Report: If you suspect a case of mistreatment, contact the appropriate authorities
Remember: NEVER shake your child. The frustration is temporary; the damage may be permanent.
DO YOU KNOW WHAT WE DO TO PREVENT IT?
Terre des Hommes and the Hospital Network for the Prevention of Child Maltreatment are engaged in the front lines of the fight against Shaken Baby Syndrome through:
- Awareness raising: Information campaigns targeting parents, health professionals and civil society
- Training: Courses for health professionals to recognize signs and intervene early
- Support: Support for struggling families and abused children
- Research: Scientific studies of the phenomenon, such as: First Italian survey on cases of Shaken Baby Syndrome
Every year we organize the National Prevention Days on Shaken Baby Syndrome., a key time to raise awareness of the public
What can you do to help us?
Spread the information on all your channels – Organize a moment of awareness in your area – Support the campaign. Join institutions, companies and influencers who are helping us save children: Will be good for you, too.
DO YOU KNOW MATTIA'S STORY?
Mattia Pierinelli is a healthy and happy 9-month-old baby, suddenly loses consciousness and goes into a coma at the Lago Mago nursery school in Pistoia “When the tragedy happened, we knew nothing about Shaken Baby Syndrome,” says his mother Caterina “only after days…“
WOULD YOU LIKE TO BECOME A PARTNER IN THE CAMPAIGN?
Let’s shake up public opinion together and reach thousands of people with a simple message: never shake a baby. Are you familiar with Shaken Baby Syndrome? It’s a question that attracts attention and curiosity, and one on which we can build an activity that creates value for us and for you.
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