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3299 Gull Rd  ♦  P.O.Box 275   ♦  Nazareth, MI  ♦   49074-275  ♦  Phone:(269) 552-4430   ♦  Fax:(269) 552-4855





Never Shake a Baby!!

We know that you would never intentionally hurt a child, but perhaps you do not know about the dangers of shaking or tossing.

Sometimes it is such a joy hearing a child's screams of delight as you are tossing her up in the air. But this could be fatal. The neck is very weak in small children and infants. When a child's head snaps back and forward, the brain violently strikes against the inside of the skull. This motion ruptures the bridging veins of the brain, causing pressure on the brain, possibly brain damage or death.

Shaking or tossing an infant or young child may cause:

  • Blindness
  • Learning disabilities
  • Seizures
  • Hearing loss
  • Paralysis
  • Death
Symptoms of a head injury in a child may include:

  • Swelling of the soft spot
  • Bleeding in the eyes
  • Seizures
  • Projectile vomiting
  • Irritability
  • Excessive drowsiness
  • Unresponsiveness
How should you avoid your child being injured by shaking or tossing:

Always support the neck of infants, babies, and small children If you are upset because your child cannot stop crying, try to calm down before dealing with him.


Babies cry for many reasons, sometimes unstoppably, here are some things to try:

  • Check their diaper.
  • Do they need to be burped?
  • Are they too hot or too cold?
  • Are they hungry?
  • Do they have a fever?
  • Hold the baby. Try different positions.
  • Walk with them or rock them.
  • Talk softly to them or sing.
  • Play some soothing music on the radio.
  • Put a ticking clock near the baby.
  • Secure the baby in a car seat and go for a ride.
What now? My Baby is still crying:

     If you have tried these things and the baby is still crying, remember: It is OK to feel angry about the baby's crying. It is not OK to hit, shake or scream at a baby. Some babies, especially babies with colic, just cry; and there is nothing you can do to help. After checking the things above, it is OK to lay them on their back or side and just let them cry. Check them after 10-15 minutes just to let them know that you care.


Some things to consider:

  1. Choose child care providers and baby-sitters carefully.
  2. Allow time to observe how they play and interact with the children.
  3. How well do they handle stress?
  4. What is their plan if your child starts crying and will not stop

This nursery doorknob hanger and its accompanying information can be ordered by calling (269) 552-4430.