Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) Prevention for high school students draftcurriculum

Let’s see what we know so far draft

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

What is colic? “Colic” suggests intestinal distress Is something medically wrong with the baby? Is the baby in pain? Does “infant colic” simply refer to a baby that cries a lot? draft

Normal infant crying Adapted from the NCSBS and Ronald G. Barr, MDCM The amount of crying: Changes over time Varies among normally-developing babies draft

The period of PURPLE crying From the NCSBS and Ronald G. Barr, MDCM Peak pattern Unpredictable Resistant to soothing Pain-like face Long bouts Evening cry draft

Same baby ─ same day draft

The crying game draft

Soothing an irritable baby Feed baby slowly and burp baby often. Make baby as comfortable as possible, for example, 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. draft

Difficult developmental phases Night crying Separation anxiety Exploratory behavior Negativism Loss of appetite Toilet training draft

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. draft

Elijah’s Story draft

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. Violent shaking is one of the most devastating forms of child abuse. draft

Head movement during shaking draft

Brain movement inside the skull draft

Signs that a baby has been shaken Broken bones Unusual crying Sleepiness Pale or bluish skin Vomiting or refusing to eat Not breathing Unconscious draft

What are the long term results? Even with prompt medical attention many 1 of 4 infants dies. Those who survive may have lifelong medical conditions: Blindness Paralysis Deafness Learning disabilities Coordination problems Developmental disabilities Seizures draft

Risk factors for being a victim Age Gender Greater demands for care, for example illness, pre-maturity, or other special needs of some kind draft

Who would shake a baby? Anyone, but some people are more at risk: Late teens and early 20s Males Inexperience with babies People with other risk factors – drug and alcohol use, mental illness, high stress, lack of self-control draft

Rate the Risk Calculator draft

The families draft

Remember the Rule of Lay the baby on his back in his crib or another safe place. Stay feet or more away. Slowly count to or take deep breaths to calm yourself down. After minutes, check on the baby Repeat if necessary. If you still feel stressed, call someone for help. draft

It’s okay to ask for help Someone who can come over right away and help like a family member or friend The baby’s doctor, or nurse helpline Local community resources Have the phone numbers of people who can help when the crying is too much. draft

My pledge This hand will never harm a baby Pass the message on draft

This material was developed by the SBS Prevention K12 curriculum team Pamela Anderson – Middleton School District Anne Haverland – Oshkosh School District Nancy Graese – CESA 11 Nancy Merwin – Cuba City School District Sue Mokler – Ripon School District Wendi Schreiter – Wisconsin Shaken Baby Association

With support from: Children’s Trust Fund – Susan Abbey Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction – Janice Atkinson Wisconsin Shaken Baby Association – Wendi Schreiter

These materials may not be used beyond their express intent without permission from the Wisconsin Children’s Trust Fund. Our goal is to protect the integrity of the material and educational techniques contained within this curriculum.