Preventing shaken baby syndrome

Always remember to handle children with care. Shaking a child may result in serious injury or death!

Be Safe, Not Sorry ... Don't Shake! Instead, if you are feeling very stressed for some reason, such as because your child won't stop crying:

1. Put the child in a safe place and leave the room for a few minutes.
2. Call a friend or neighbor.
3. Take 10 deep breaths and then 10 more.
4. Do something for yourself (play your favorite music, make a cup of coffee or tea, exercise, take a shower, read a magazine or book).
5. Change your activity (shake a rug, do dishes or laundry, scrub a floor, beat a pan or pillow, throw out the trash, clean a closet).
6. Sit down for several minutes, close your eyes, and think of a pleasant place in your memory.
7. Write a list of the ten best things about yourself.
8. Write a list of the ten best things about your child.

For more information call the Prevention Information Resource Center & Parent Helpline 24 hours/day, 7 days/week at 1-800-342-7472.

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