What Is Shaken Baby Syndrome / Abusive Head Trauma (SBS/AHT)?

Shaken Baby Syndrome / Abusive Head Trauma (SBS/AHT) is a form of physical child abuse that occurs when a young child is violently shaken. Even if the shaking lasts only a few seconds, the damage can last a lifetime.

Infants have weak neck muscles and cannot control their head movements. When shaken, their heads whip back and forth, causing the brain to slam against the skull. This can lead to bruising, swelling, and bleeding inside the brain. When shaking is combined with slamming, throwing, or dropping a child, the results can be deadly.

PCAVT’s Prevention Programs

Prevent Child Abuse Vermont provides vital education and resources to help prevent SBS/AHT. Our training includes:

Fundamentals of SBS/AHT
Toddler safety
Safe sleep practices
A video resource
A tool to help evaluate if your infant or toddler’s caregiver is prepared to care for them safely

These trainings are free and suitable for:

Students
Expectant parents
Parents and grandparents
Childcare providers
Healthcare professionals
Any Vermonter interested in keeping children safe

What Triggers Shaking?

Inconsolable crying is the number one reason given by caregivers who shake a baby. Many of them lack the knowledge or coping skills to care for a crying infant. Frustrated and overwhelmed, they lose control and shake the baby to try to make the crying stop.

Caregivers just want the baby to stop crying — but the outcome can be tragic.

Why Are Babies So Vulnerable?

Babies often cry for 2 to 3 hours a day
Some cry for longer periods, sometimes for unknown reasons
Crying is a baby’s primary form of communication

Long-Term Effects of Shaking a Baby

Even if there are no visible signs, internal injuries may be severe. Possible outcomes include:

Severe brain damage
Learning disabilities
Blindness
Paralysis
Hearing loss
Speech problems
Behavioral changes
Irritability or lethargy
Pale or bluish skin
Vomiting
Seizures
Death

If Your Baby Has Been Shaken

If you or someone else has shaken your baby, seek immediate medical help.
Take your child to a pediatrician or emergency room right away. Don’t let guilt, fear, or shame prevent you from acting. Brain injuries from shaking will only worsen without treatment.

Be honest with your healthcare provider if you suspect your baby has been shaken — early intervention could save your child’s life.

Sleeping With Your Baby: Is It Safe?

While many families practice bed-sharing, it comes with serious risks. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), placing babies in adult beds increases the risk of suffocation and strangulation.

Dangers of Bed-Sharing Include:

An adult rolling onto or against the baby
Baby getting wedged between the mattress and another object
Suffocation from soft bedding
Entrapment in bed frames or headboards
Strangulation from blinds or cords near the bed

If You Do Choose to Bed-Share, Take These Precautions:

Never sleep with your baby if you’ve used alcohol or drugs
Do not let other children, especially toddlers, sleep with your infant
Always place your baby on their back to sleep
Keep your baby’s head uncovered during sleep
Ensure the mattress fits snugly in the frame
Avoid soft bedding, pillows, and comforters
Keep beds away from cords, drapes, or blinds

A Safer Alternative

Place a crib or bassinet next to your bed to keep your baby close without the risks of bed-sharing. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), room-sharing without bed-sharing reduces the risk of Sudden Unexplained Infant Death (SUID).

Want to Learn More or Schedule a Training?

Contact Ann Shangraw ashangraw@pcavt.org | 802-552-4269

Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) & KidsHealth