Shaken Baby Syndrome: Risk Factors 

FACTS about shaking a Baby: Share these important facts with everyone who takes care of your baby. Shaking a baby violently for even 2-3 seconds can cause bleeding into and around the baby's brain and can destroy brain cells. [2] One episode of violent shaking can cause loss of vision, brain damage, paralysis, seizures or even death. [2] 25% of babies who have been shaken die Symptoms range from mild irritability, poor feeding, vomiting and lethargy to breathing difficulties, seizures, coma and death [3] SBS can be misdiagnosed with accidental trauma due to lack of information[4] An estimated 15% of children have no permanent physical damage from SBS but other effects are not known [5] In 2006, TIPS to prevent SBS: Sometimes feeding, changing the diaper, singing, rocking, walking, or fresh air may calm the baby. If nothing seems to work, take a break, but never, never shake the baby. Put your baby in a safe place and go into another room. Your baby may need to cry or fuss for a short time to let go of stress and may then calm down. Remember, you are not alone. Call a friend or family member, or call your Maryland county liason (See Local Maryland Resources below)

Shaken Baby Syndrome in the United States
Top 10 things to try if your baby will not stop crying
SBS Risk Factors
SBS Facts and Tips
SBS Local Maryland Resources
SBS Internet Resources

References:

[1] Chiocca, E. M. Shaken baby syndrome: a nursing perspective. Pediatric Nursing. 21(1):33-38. 1998.
[2] Byron, B. L. Shaken Baby Syndrome. The Family Works. 1999.
[3] Tremblay, B. The brain injury association’s 17th annual symposium: notes about children. Prevention Matters Archives. 2001.
[4] Showers, J. The national conference on shaken baby syndrome: a medical, legal & prevention challenge: executive summary. Alexandria National Association of Children’s Hospitals and related Institutions, 1996.
[5] Marino, M.J. What is Shaken Baby Syndrome? TBI Challenge. 3(1):1-3. 1999.