feeding, sleeping and crying
A Cry for Help
Robyn felt alone, tired and desperate. She and her husband had just moved to a new town. She didn't have any friends to call or relatives to visit. Every day she stayed at home, growing increasingly frustrated with her colicky baby. Still, Robyn knew that was no reason to shake her.
Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS), although not always reported, occurs at least 1,400 times each year in the United States. The signs and symptoms resulting from violent shaking or shaking and impacting the head of an infant range from minor irritability, lethargy, tremors and vomiting to major seizures, coma, stupor or even death.
The number one reason a baby is shaken is inconsolable crying. While it is sometimes okay to let a baby cry, it is never okay to shake him. Caregivers should deal with frustration by taking a proactive approach to stress management. Prevention specialist Karen Coleman suggests a caregiver make a list like the one below, before she finds herself out of control.
If the baby won't stop crying after all his basic needs have been met and he is not sick, try:
- taking the baby for a walk in the stroller or going on a short drive.
- putting the baby in a wind-up swing.
- vacuuming the house or playing the radio. Babies sometimes love soothing noises, and these activities give the caretaker a break from the crying.
- asking a trusted friend if you could drop off your baby for a while.
- putting the baby in a safe place, like a crib or playpen, and leaving the room for a while. Check on the baby every one to 15 minutes. Remember it's normal for babies to cry, and it won't hurt them.
- calling for help. If you feel like you're going to lose control, do something about it.
Consider contacting a counselor. Some areas offer crisis support nurseries or women's support groups.
For more information on SBS, contact The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome at 1-888-273-0071 or visit its Web site at http://www.dontshake.com/.
Background Information
Breast to Bottle
These tips can help make a smooth transition for both Mom and baby.
Ready for Meat and Potatoes
If a couple of teeth erupt before six months of age (the usual time of the first appearance of teeth), this in itself is not a sign that your baby is ready for pizza.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
This advice won't eliminate all cases of SIDS, but it could save hundreds, if not thousands, of lives every year.
Why Won't They Eat?
One of life's greatest mysteries is how a preschooler can survive on three spaghetti noodles, half a banana and a graham cracker for an entire day!
Questions and Answers
Should a parent try to force a child to eat?
Answer
What are "night terrors?"
Answer
What causes a child to wet the bed?
Answer
Review Frequently Asked Questions
Stories
If you've been through a experience related to this topic, we invite you to share your story with others.Share Your Story
Other Things to Consider
Children: Are They Worth It?
Children can be demanding, frustrating and exhausting. But they can also be a tremendous source of positive change in our lives.
Related Topics
Transitions: Having a Baby, Preparing for Adolescence
Life Pressures: Working Moms, Stay-At-Home Moms, Time for Family
Relationships: Parents and Adult Children, Blended Families
