In 1993, the Legislature found that: "shaken baby syndrome is a medically serious, sometimes fatal, usually unintentional matter affecting newborns and very young children." Based on the finding, the Council was mandated through RCW 43.121.140 to conduct a proactive, public information and communication outreach campaign regarding the dangers of shaking infants and young children, and the causes and prevention of shaken baby syndrome.

The RCW states the public information campaign shall include production of a readily understandable brochure regarding shaken baby syndrome, explaining its medical effects upon infants and emphasizing preventive measures. The legislation stated that the brochure be distributed free of charge to the parents or guardians of each newborn in our state.

Since the campaign’s inception, WCPCAN, Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center, the Conscious Fathering Program and Parent Trust for Washington Children have partnered to raise awareness about Shaken Baby Syndrome.

• Over 150,000 brochures are distributed each year.
• The Shaken Baby Syndrome Prevention brochure is the most frequently requested item from WCPCAN.

In 1972, pediatric radiologist John Caffey coined the term "Whiplash Shaken Baby Syndrome" and defined it as the vigorous shaking of an infant or child by the arms, legs or shoulders. This whiplash motion can result in bleeding inside the head with no outward signs of abuse.

Frustrated parents or other persons responsible for a child’s care often feel that shaking a baby is a harmless way to make the child stop crying. However, weak neck muscles combined with a soft, rapidly forming brain and thin skull wall make infants and toddlers extremely vulnerable to injury from shaking. The whiplash motion caused by shaking can damage nerves and brain tissue. Children injured in this way may die, or if they live often suffer from blindness, cerebral palsy, hearing loss, spinal cord injury, seizures or paralysis, and learning disabilities for the rest of their lives. This tragedy, known as Shaken Baby Syndrome, can be prevented.

An alarming statistic shown in studies done by Dr. Jacy Showers is that between 25-50% of the general public did not know that shaking a child could be dangerous. Perpetrators of shaken baby syndrome typically include biological fathers (37%), boyfriends (20.5%), female baby-sitters (17.3%), and biological mothers (12.6%). It is estimated that 1,000-3,000 children are diagnosed with shaken baby syndrome annually, with thousands more misdiagnosed and undetected.

Crying is the Most Common "Trigger" for Shaking

Many new parents and caregivers don’t understand that crying is a baby’s only way to communicate. Some babies cry more than others. A baby may cry because of hunger; the need to suck; pain from illness, teething or earache; colic; need for comfort or cuddling, or the need for rest.

What Can You Do To Prevent a Tragedy?

• Never shake or toss a baby around.
• Always provide support for a baby’s head.
• Educate all family members and caregivers about the dangers of shaking a baby.

What to do when your baby cries

• Make sure the baby is fed and dry.
• Feed your baby slowly.
• Remember to burp your baby often.
• Rock the baby gently or go for a walk.
• Take the baby for a ride in a stroller or car.
• Try a wind-up infant swing.
• Lay the baby in a crib or other safe place, close the door, turn-up the radio and do something you want to do.

Be patient. But if your baby continues to cry and you feel frustrated, take time out. Find ways to reduce your stress. Call a relative or friend for support, or contact a professional for guidance. Hire a babysitter so you can get out of the house and clear your mind.

Adults need to realize that their lack of control – when it leads to violence – can cause permanent damage. If you or anyone else shakes your baby, take the infant to the hospital immediately. Early treatment can prevent future problems...and may save your baby’s life.

Newly designed posters are available (free of charge)! You can also order these by contacting WCPCAN.

American Academy of Pediatrics
AAP is committed to the attainment of optimal physical, mental, and social health and well being for all infants, children, adolescents, and young adults.

Brain Injury Association of America
Specific articles: Shaken Baby Syndrome: The Facts and Hard Realities
The site includes a definition of SBS, statistics on the scope of the SBS problem, a who, what, when and why of SBS and tips for prevention.

Brain Injury Association of Washington
The Brain Injury Association of Washington is a non-profit organization made up of persons with a brain injury, family members, friends and professionals dedicated to providing information, advocacy and support. The BIAWA is a chartered association of the national Brain Injury Association.

Child Abuse Prevention Network
The site is an in-depth resource for Shaken Baby Syndrome.

The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome
Serving the nation and, in fact, the world, the National Center, located in Ogden, Utah, offers shaken baby syndrome prevention programs and training natinowide.

National Exchange Club Foundation
The National Exchange Club Foundation is committed to making a difference in the lives of children, families and our communities through its national project, the prevention of child abuse.

Shaken Baby Alliance
An advocacy Web site for SBS children and their families working alongside friends and professionals in a community effort.

Shaken Baby Prevention Plus
The mission of SBS PREVENTION PLUS is to develop, study, and disseminate information and materials designed to prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome and other forms of physical child abuse, and to increase positive parenting and child care.