Why Does Shaken Baby Syndrome Occur?

Though caring for a child can be an enjoyable and exciting opportunity, it can also be stressful and demanding. Especially if a person is not experienced or aware of how a child may respond to different situations, frustration can easily mount. In fact, inappropriate response to inconsolable crying is the leading cause of Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Shaken Baby Syndrome is a dangerous form of child abuse that occurs when a child is held by their head, shoulders or feet and shaken violently. This type of action can result in traumatic brain injuries that can cause permanent damage and even fatal conditions in children. SBS is often a triggered reaction to frustration and is never an acceptable manner for interacting with or disciplining a child.

Shaken Baby Syndrome most often occurs in children under 4 months of age who are developing their natural ability to communicate through crying. Unfortunately, cases involving SBS do occur in childcare facilities when one caretaker is responsible for multiple children. A caretaker may feel overwhelmed by his or her responsibility and as such, is triggered to respond in an abusive manner.

Shaken Baby Syndrome, like any form of child abuse, is a serious offense with serious consequences and needs to be taken seriously. This action is preventable and part of effective prevention is ensuring that culpable parties are charged to the fullest extent of the law. This type of behavior is dangerous and not acceptable in any circumstance.