Shaken Baby Syndrome: Risk Factors 

• Babies who cry inconsolably or are fussy are at high risk for SBS ^[1]

• Children under age one is at greatest risk, but SBS is even seen in children at 24 months. The average ages for SBS are 5-8 months and 13-24 months ^[2]

• SBS is more common in male infants and children than in females and 60% of victims are males ^[2]

• 79% of perpetrators are young adult males and the remaining perpetrators are day care providers. Mothers are rarely perpetrators ^[2]

References:

[1] Can SBS be prevented. KidsHealth for Parents. http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/brain/shaken_p8.html. 2001

[2] Byron, B. L. Shaken Baby Syndrome. The Family Works. www.familyworks.org/Parenting/BevByron.htm. 1999.