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

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

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

4. 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

5. 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?

6. 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!

7. Same Baby - Same Day

8. 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.

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

10. Anger Workout
Accept
Name
Get it Out
Energize
Resume

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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

15. 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.

16. 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

17. 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.

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

19. Video

20. 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