Safe Stress Relief for Caregivers

Shaking an infant – even once – can be fatal. In most cases of shaken baby syndrome, the caregiver responsible cannot handle the stress of a baby crying. Follow these steps to make sure anyone caring for your child is prepared:

– Help the caregiver understand common reasons infants cry and how to respond. For example, the baby may be hungry or need a diaper change.

– Recommend soothing methods that usually work for you, such as rocking or humming.

– Let the caregiver know it’s okay to take a break when tension runs high, as long as the baby is in a safe place.

– Kelley Parris, Children’s Board of Hillsborough County