To develop properly, your baby needs to be touched often, held close, and handled gently all the time. Some parents, older children, and babysitters who know it's never alright to hit a baby think that shaking a baby is okay. Never shake your baby for any reason, no matter how tired, angry, or frustrated you feel. Shaking a baby, or even a young child, can cause bleeding in the brain that could kill or cause permanent injuries. Even some kinds of play are dangerous, such as tossing a child into the air, spinning a child around, or jogging with a baby on your back.
Here are some ways to cope with a crying baby:
- Make sure your baby isn't hungry, wet, or too cold or too hot
- Offer a pacifier
- Walk around holding your baby close to you
- Call a friend, relative, or neighbor for help
- If all else fails, put your baby in the crib, making sure your baby is safe and check back every 5 minutes or so
For more information, please see the Administration for Children's Services Take Good Care of Your Baby Campaign.
Source: New York City Department of Mental Health and Hygiene Log on to DOMHH website for more tips on how to treat your baby gently.
