Talking points. Increases in cases of Shaken Baby Syndrome, also known as Abusive Head Trauma.

There have been a series of articles in the media this week about increases being reported for Shaken Baby Syndrome which is also known as Abusive Head Trauma. In response Prevent Child Abuse America has developed the following talking points.

The Major Talking Points:

Shaken Baby Syndrome also known as Abusive Head Trauma is preventable;

Investments in promising Shaken Baby Syndrome prevention strategies, especially those focused on fathers and maternal boyfriends, as well as, home visitation, parent support and education and information on early childhood development do work and will prove less costly to individuals, our communities and nation;

Social services are being cut and the prevention infrastructure across the nation is at-risk of being un-raveled due to budget cuts;

Getting prevention right early is less costly to individuals, and to society, than trying to fix things later.

What we know:

We must place these reports in the context of the current economic crisis;

Stress is a risk factor for Shaken Baby Syndrome;

We can’t cut the prevention budget in these challenging economic times and expect to have the impact we want to have on preventing Shaken Baby Syndrome.

What caregivers can do (courtesy of SafeSoundBabies.com):

It's normal for babies to cry, and long, inconsolable crying can occur in completely normal developing babies;

The most common trigger for Shaken Baby Syndrome is infant crying;

When a parent or caregiver feels like they are about to explode:

Make sure the baby is safe - in his or her crib, on his or her back.

Make sure the baby isn't hungry, sick or in need of a diaper change.

Then, step away for a few minutes if you have to. Or call someone for help.

Just make sure you have a plan.

If you are a friend, relative or neighbor of parents of a newborn offer them scheduled "parent time" breaks.