Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS)
Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS), also known as inflicted Traumatic Brain Injury (iTBI), is a type of Abusive Head Trauma occurring in children, usually under 1 year. SBS involves violent or vigorous shaking of a baby, and a single episode as short as 5-20 seconds can result in the following:
- Blindness
- Mental Retardation
- Seizures
- Cerebral Palsy
- Hearing Loss
- Paralysis
- Broken bones
- Speech or Learning Disabilities
- Severe Developmental Delays
- Death
SBS is 100% preventable and there are numerous resources available to parents and caregivers to provide support and encouragement.
Shaken Baby Syndrome Facts
- CDC: Heads Up: Prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome
Facts, studies, PSAs, and guidebooks for community organizers and journalists.
- Minnesota Statute 144.574 Education about dangers of shaking infants and young children.
Minnesota Statute 245A.1445: DANGERS OF SHAKING INFANTS AND YOUNG CHILDREN (PDF)
All hospitals, healthcare providers and legally unlicensed childcare providers in Minnesota must learn about the dangers of shaking young children.
Educational Materials and Videos
- Never Shake: Preventing Shaken Baby Syndrome
Children's Trust Fund. Watch the video or order a DVD. - Period of PURPLE Crying
Period of PURPLE Crying (YouTube: 9 minutes)
What is the Period of PURPLE? - Educational Materials and Other Resources: Midwest Children's Resource Center
Order brochures and DVDs in multiple languages. - CDC: Preventing Abusive Head Trauma in Children.
