Never Shake A Baby!
All healthy babies cry—especially when they’re tired, hungry, uncomfortable, bored, lonely, or overstimulated.
What you can do first
Respond quickly and check for common needs:
Diaper change?
Hungry?
Too hot or too cold?
Fever?
If your baby is still crying after you check these, try:
Hold your baby and talk or sing softly (or use gentle music with a rattle/toy).
Gently stroke your baby’s back, arms, legs, and feet with long strokes, or gently rock them.
Offer a pacifier.
Take your baby for a ride in a stroller or car seat.
If nothing seems to work
Your baby’s crying may have a medical cause—call your family doctor/pediatrician.
Until you can get help, stay patient. If you feel too tired, overwhelmed, or you’re struggling to control your anger:
Put your baby on their back in a safe crib with no toys, pillows, or blankets.
Step away. Sit down, close your eyes, and take deep breaths.
Call a family member or friend to talk—or ask them to come over so you can take a break.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
Caring for a baby can be very difficult. Help is available.
Never shake your baby to stop their crying.
Infants’ neck muscles are weak and can’t support their head—shaking can cause the brain to slam against the skull, leading to blindness, permanent brain damage, or death.
