April was Child Abuse Prevention Month, and we joined with our partners to increase awareness of child maltreatment prevention. Of course, at the Injury Center, we focus on child maltreatment every day of every month. We are motivated by a deep belief that child maltreatment is completely preventable.

Shaken Baby Syndrome -  a form of abusive head trauma (AHT)  -is the leading cause of child abuse death in the United States.  A North Carolina study suggests that every day, three to four children experience severe or fatal head injury from child abuse. Of those children, one will die. Among those who survive, 80% will suffer permanent disability. This severe maltreatment happens every day and babies, newborn to one year-especially those babies ages 2 to 4 months-are at greatest risk.

No one expects to shake a baby. The most common trigger is the child’s inconsolable crying - crying that is a normal phase in infant development. Information from the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome and Shaken Baby Alliance, among other sources, can help new parents who are unprepared for the stress that accompanies normal child care. Educating parents and other caregivers about the dangers of shaking a baby and safe ways to cope with infant crying is essential. However, we don’t know whether education alone will effectively prevent all AHT.

That’s why CDC joins partners in exploring more direct intervention strategies to inform new parents and caregivers about how to deal with the frustration of a crying baby and to equip them with effective coping skills. We are exploring intervention strategies that include health professionals instructing parents at key immunization checkups as well as using technology to deliver messages directly to expectant and new mothers.

We believe prevention includes sharing ways to lessen the load on stressed out parents and caregivers. CDC wants parents and caregivers of young babies and children to know that:

• It is normal for healthy babies to cry much more in the first four months of life. Remember it will get better.
• If your baby cannot be consoled and you feel pushed to the limit, put the baby in a safe place, take a break, and call for support.
• If your baby cannot be consoled. You may need to focus on calming yourself and let your baby cry while still checking on him/her. Remember it will get better.
• Tell everyone who cares for your baby about the dangers of shaking a baby and what to do if they become angry, frustrated or upset. 
• It is OK to ask for help from a friend or family member or to call a Parent Helpline.

We can prevent abusive head trauma and change outcomes for children. Today, and every day, we ask you to join us in testing and developing effective strategies that support new parents and caregivers.  Let’s reach out so all children can live every day to their full potential.