Never Shake Your Baby

Never Shake Your Baby

No matter how tired, angry or frustrated you feel, never shake or handle your baby roughly. Shaking can cause permanent brain damage or even kill a baby. It takes only a few seconds of shaking to hurt a baby's developing brain. Shaking a baby is also a crime.

If you've tried everything-feeding, cuddling, a new diaper- and your baby still won't stop crying:

  • Take a step back. Put your baby in the crib and walk into another room. Check back every few minutes to make sure she is safe.
  • Take five deep breaths. Inhale and exhale s-l-o-w-l-y.
  • Call a trusted friend, relative or neighbor for help. Ask someone to come over and keep you company.
  • Ask someone you trust to watch your baby. Then exercise or go for a walk.

Learn more about how to quiet a crying baby.
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If you are very upset and overwhelmed and need help right away, call the Parent Hotline at 1-800-342-7472 .

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