How does shaken baby syndrome affect the family?

Do parents go to jail for shaken baby syndrome?

In many cases when the child lives criminal charges of assault, aggravated assault and endangering the welfare of a child are filed against the father of the child or the boyfriend of the mother. Normally a defendant will face a mandatory five year minimum jail sentence for these charges.

At what age can you stop worrying about shaken baby syndrome?

This syndrome is primarily seen in children younger than age two, with the majority of cases occurring before the baby’s first birthday. The average victim is between three and eight months old. However, children up to age four have been victims of this abuse.

What happens when you shake a baby?

When an infant or toddler is shaken, the brain bounces back and forth against the skull. This can cause bruising of the brain (cerebral contusion), swelling, pressure, and bleeding in the brain. The large veins along the outside of the brain may tear, leading to further bleeding, swelling, and increased pressure.

Why do parents shake their babies?

Parents or caregivers may shake a baby because it is crying for a long time, and they may think that shaking the baby will make him or her stop crying. Some parents or caregivers may be under stress for various reasons, and may become frustrated and unable to cope with the responsibilities of caring for a child.

Can I accidentally give my baby shaken baby syndrome?

Shaken Baby Syndrome Facts

Shaken baby syndrome is a form of child abuse. Infants with shaken baby syndrome have life-threatening injuries. Many affected infants develop permanent brain damage and blindness as a result of the abuse. Shaken baby syndrome is almost never seen as a result of accidental trauma.

Can a baby give themselves shaken baby syndrome?

“Often, older children may have additional injuries, such as blunt force trauma from being thrown or pushed against a floor or a wall,” McPeck-Stringham says, but notes that violently shaking a child at this age could also cause brain damage. Can baby get shaken baby syndrome in the womb? No.

Is it OK to shake baby to sleep?

Some babies may even stop breathing, which can cause further brain damage. The shaking can also cause bleeding into the back of the eyes.

What are 3 immediate consequences of shaking a baby?

When a baby is shaken hard by the shoulders, arms, or legs, it can cause learning disabilities, behavior disorders, vision problems or blindness, hearing and speech issues, seizures, cerebral palsy, serious brain injury, and permanent disability.

What can mimic shaken baby syndrome?

Blood tests. Some metabolic and genetic disorders, as well as bleeding and clotting disorders, can lead to symptoms that may mimic shaken baby syndrome. Blood tests can help rule out some of these conditions.

How many babies die each year from shaken baby syndrome?

Shaking can cause brain injury, cerebral palsy, blindness, hearing loss, learning and behavior problems, seizures, paralysis, and death. It is estimated that 1,000-3,000 children in the United States suffer from SBS each year. One fourth of victims of SBS die, and 80 percent of survivors suffer from permanent damage.

Who is most likely to shake a baby?

Canadian research has shown that the babies who are shaken are most often male and under six months of age. The research also identified biological fathers, stepfathers and male partners of biological mothers as more likely to shake an infant. Female babysitters and biological mothers are also known to shake babies.

How can you tell if a baby has been shaken?

Shaken baby syndrome symptoms and signs include: Extreme fussiness or irritability. Difficulty staying awake. Breathing problems.