However, weak neck muscles combined with a soft, rapidly forming brain and thin skull wall make infants and toddlers extremely vulnerable to injury from shaking. The whiplash motion caused by shaking can damage nerves and brain tissue. Children injured in this way may die, or if they live often suffer from blindness, cerebral palsy, hearing loss, spinal cord injury, seizures or paralysis, and learning disabilities for the rest of their lives. This tragedy, known as Shaken Baby Syndrome , can be prevented . It is estimated that 1,000-3,000 children are diagnosed with shaken baby syndrome annually, with thousands more misdiagnosed and undetected.
Some babies cry more than others.
Never shake or toss a baby around. Always provide support for a baby s head. Educate all family members and caregivers about the dangers of shaking a baby. Make sure the baby is fed and dry. Feed your baby slowly.