A parent or other caretaker, stressed by work, household activities, or financial concerns, may find that a crying infant feels like more than they can handle. In a momentary lapse of judgment, the caregiver may shake the child. Unfortunately, experts say, such a lapse may be enough to inflict permanent damage. Shaking a baby can cause serious injuries, affecting the brain and the eyes. Long-term complications include development delay, reduced motor skills, blindness, and seizures.
Some babies die after being shaken.
For many reasons, the true incidence of shaken baby syndrome is difficult to ascertain. The goals of the Shaken Baby Education Project are consistent with Strong Health's Project Believe, an effort to make Rochester America's healthiest community by 2020. The Shaken Baby Education Project is funded by a grant from the William B. Hoyt Memorial Children and Family Fund. For questions or suggestions concerning the content of these pages, contact the URMC Webmaster .