As an adult, you may feel stressed, frustrated, or upset with a baby. However, shaking a baby is never the solution and can cause severe damage or even death. Here are ten reasons why you should never shake a baby.
1. Shaking Can Cause Brain Damage
Shaking a baby can cause brain damage, especially when the baby’s head isn’t supported, allowing the brain to move back and forth inside the skull.
The baby’s skull is still developing and fragile, and shaking can cause tears in blood vessels and even in brain tissue.
2. Shaking Can Cause Seizures
Babies who are shaken often suffer from seizures due to the damage caused by the shaking. Seizures can cause brain damage or even lead to a coma or death.
3. Shaking Can Cause Blindness
Shaking a baby can cause damage to the eyes, resulting in permanent blindness or visual impairment. The sudden movement can cause bleeding behind the eyes and other types of damage.
4. Shaking Can Cause Spinal Injuries
Violently shaking a baby may cause spinal injuries, such as fractures or hernias. These injuries may lead to paralysis or lifelong disabilities for the baby.
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5. Shaking Can Lead to Breathing Problems
Shaking a baby can cause breathing difficulties or even suffocation when the baby’s airway is obstructed. It can also lead to respiratory distress syndrome, which can quickly become life-threatening.
6. Shaking Can Result in Developmental Delays
The brain is still developing in babies, and any damage caused by shaking can lead to developmental delays or other cognitive or behavioral problems.
7. Shaking Can Cause Behavior Issues
Babies who have been shaken may develop behavior issues, such as aggression, impulsiveness, or stress disorders. These issues can cause problems throughout the baby’s life.
8. Shaking Can Lead to Death
Shaking a baby can lead to death due to brain damage, respiratory problems, seizures, and other complications. Infants are particularly vulnerable to these injuries, and even a few seconds of shaking can cause severe damage.
9. Shaking Is Child Abuse
Shaking a baby is considered child abuse and is punishable by law. Child abuse can have lifelong consequences for the child and can harm the abuser and their family as well.
10. There Are Safer, Healthier Options
There are numerous safe, healthy ways to interact with and calm a baby, such as holding, feeding, or talking to them. They may also benefit from toys, changing their diaper, or playing soft music. There is never a good reason to shake a baby.
