You may not be able to calm your baby. At times you may get upset with your baby. You may feel:

• Angry
• Tense
• Frustrated
• Worried
• Sad

But, It's NEVER OK to Shake a baby.

Babies have weak neck muscles and heavy heads. Their brains are growing and they have thin skulls. Shaking them can cause:

• Blindness
• Hearing Loss
• Internal bleeding
• Paralysis
• Long-term brain damage
• Death

Children under age 2 are most at risk. Babies who suffer injuries from shaking are referred to as having "Shaken Baby Syndrome."

Things You Can Do to Help Calm Your Baby

• Hold child close to you. Walk around or slowly rock.
• Take the baby for a ride in the car. Make sure the baby is secured in a safety seat.
• If you breastfeed your baby, avoid caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco.
• Lower noise and lights."Keep your Cool"
• Count to 10-or 100. Take slow, deep breaths.
• Lay your baby down on his back or side in a safe place. Take a break from your baby. It's okay if the child cries while you calm down.
• Talk to another adult. Ask for help. Tell him/her about your feelings. Call your doctor.

Never yell at, hit or shake your baby!"

Reduce the Stress in Your Life

• Do something you enjoy everyday.
• Talk to someone you trust about your feelings.
• Take a parenting class.
• Make friends with other parents.

If you ever feel like hurting your baby...,

STOP!

Call a friend.

Call the National Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-4-A-CHILD or 1-800-422-4453.

Your baby WILL outgrow the crying. But, shaking him or her can result in long-term brain damage or death.