When BABY can ‘t stop CRYING What Caregivers Need to Know about Infant Crying and Shaken Baby Syndrome

All Babies Cry Crying is normal. Babies cry for many reasons. ALL babies will have times when they CANNOT stop crying.

Normal Infant Crying The amount of crying: changes over time varies among normally-developing babies Adapted from the NCSBS & Ronald G. Barr, MDCM

The Period of PURPLE Crying Peak Pattern Unpredictable Resistant to Soothing Pain-like Face Long Bouts Evening Cry The Period of PURPLE Crying From the NCSBS & Ronald G. Barr, MDCM

What is Colic? “Colic” is derived from the Greek “kolikos” which means suffering in the large intestine. Is something medically wrong with the baby? Is the baby in pain? Does “infant colic” simply refer to a baby that cries a lot?

What if the Baby Cries a Lot? “Colic” is extreme, but normal, crying. Crying will greatly decrease by the time the baby is 3 to 4 months old. Colicky infants show no lasting harm. Get help if the crying is a problem for you or the baby. Normal doesn’t mean easy!

Same Baby - Same Day

Soothing a Baby Feed baby slowly and burp baby often. Make baby as comfortable as possible, e.g., check temperature and diaper. Provide gentle motion or relaxing sound. Is baby hungry? Thirsty? Bored? Anxious? Sleepy? Understand that all babies have times when they cannot stop crying.

Anger Pre-Anger Heating Up Before Boiling Over Don’t Let Yourself Boil Over

Anger Workout Accept Name Get it Out Energize Resume

A tired, frustrated caregiver and a crying baby can be a deadly combination leading a parent or other caregiver to shake a baby in a moment of frustration.

Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) What is it? SBS is a medical term used to describe the injuries that can result if a baby is violently shaken. The younger the baby, the greater the risk of harm. Violent shaking is one of the most devastating forms of child abuse.

What is the Result? Even with prompt medical attention many victims die. Those who survive may suffer from: blindness paralysis deafness broken bones coordination problems developmental delays seizures learning disabilities The most common reason given for shaking a baby is that the baby wouldn’t stop crying.

Who Would Shake a Baby? Anyone, but some people are more at risk: parents and other caregivers late teens and early 20s males people with other risk factors – drug and alcohol use, mental illness, lack of self-control, inexperience with babies, high stress

When a Baby Can’t Stop Crying Try different ways to soothe the baby. Know that a comforted baby doesn’t always mean a quiet baby. Know that crying isn’t always a sign that something is wrong. If at anytime you start feeling tense or frustrated, it is important for you to take a break.

It is More Important to Stay Calm than to Stop the Crying Put the baby in a safe place. Shut the door. Leave for up to 15 minutes. If you are calm, try again to soothe the baby. If you are not calm, seek help. Call someone. Take a break, don’t shake

It’s OK to Ask for Help someone who can come over right away and help the baby’s doctor, or community health nurse local community resources for health advice ANYTIME - Health Link Alberta Have the phone numbers of people who can help when the crying is too much.

Make a Plan to soothe the baby to calm yourself for who you can call for help

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Take a break, don’t shake Remember . . . All babies cry. It is more important for you to stay calm than to stop the crying. Plan ahead for who you will call when you need help. Never shake a baby for any reason. Take a break, don’t shake

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