Shaken Baby Syndrome

Tips for Calming a Crying Baby:

  • Check to see if the baby needs changing
  • Check to see if the baby is hungry
  • Feed slowly and burp often
  • Check to see if baby is too hot or too cold
  • Rock the baby
  • Run a vacuum cleaner within hearing range of the baby
  • Give the baby a pacifier, or let the baby nurse
  • Play soft music, sing, or hum
  • Take the baby for a ride in a stroller
  • Put baby in a baby swing, or vibrating bouncing seat
  • Strap the baby into a child safety seat and take the baby for a ride in the car
  • While sitting, lay baby face down across your knees and gently pat or rub their back
  • Place baby in their crib for a few minutes, they may calm down on their own
  • Hold against your chest, in your arms or in a soft infant carrier and walk, rock, or swing gently from side to side

If Nothing Seems to Work:

  • Place baby in a safe place like a crib or playpen, on their back, in a darkened room, and let your baby cry alone for a few minutes while you take a time out
  • Take a deep breath and count to ten
  • Call a friend for emotional support
  • Call your pediatrician, there may be a medical reason why your child is crying
  • TAKE A BREAK…DON'T SHAKE

NYS Dept. of Health, Bureau of Injury Prevention