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New Jersey launches shaken baby campaign

Never shake a baby brochure (eng)
Never shake a baby brochure (sp)

NEW BRUNSWICK —Department of Human Services Commissioner James M. Davy launched a new shaken baby public awareness campaign as part of the state's efforts to expand its child abuse prevention efforts.

“Parents are often stressed out by the new responsibilities a baby can bring,” said Commissioner Davy. “Through this effort, we hope to prevent the tragedy of shaken baby syndrome and provide new parents with the support they need.”

Shaken baby syndrome is a serious brain injury caused by a frustrated caregiver who shakes an infant usually in an effort to stop the baby from crying. Shaking a baby can often cause bleeding inside the brain and lead to possible permanent injuries or death.

Since 1999, there have been 15 deaths as result of shaken baby syndrome including a 10-week-old Hispanic baby boy from Hightstown, Mercer County who died early Tuesday morning. In 70 percent of the shaken baby deaths, either the child's mother or father was responsible for the incident.

As part of the event, Assemblyman Louis Greenwald, D-Camden, announced he will introduce legislation requiring that information on shaken baby syndrome be provided to new parents before they leave the hospital. Under the current law, medical facilities are only required to supply new parents with general information on child abuse and neglect.

“There are many things that are difficult for government officials to correct or impact. But this is an issue that, through a partnership of the state and medical facilities, can be remedied,” said Assemblyman Greenwald. “We have the tools necessary to inform parents of the dangers of shaken baby syndrome; therefore we should and must use our combined resources to take this head on.”

The new shaken baby campaign includes brochures and posters available in English and Spanish. Through a partnership with the New Jersey Chapter of American Academy of Pediatrics and the New Jersey Hospital Association the information will be made available at local pediatric practices and hospital nurseries.

“The most important mission of the American Academy of Pediatrics/NJ Chapter is promoting the health and welfare of New Jersey 's children. On behalf of the

AAP/NJ, we are pleased to be working in close collaboration with the Department of Human Services to protect children from abuse and neglect,” said Dr. Bipin Patel, chairman of pediatrics at Saint Peter's and president, AAP/NJ. “Today is an important step for all of us who care for children as we work together to ensure no baby has to die or suffer brain damage from being shaken.”

A second part of the shaken baby public awareness campaign involves Dr. Steve Kairys, head of the pediatric department at Jersey Shore University Medical Center . Dr. Kairys is leading an effort on behalf of the American Academy of Pediatrics at six pediatric practices in New Jersey through a grant from the Doris Duke Practicing Safety project.

The project includes seven modules for pediatricians on preventing child abuse. It provides tools for pediatricians on how they can work with parents to help them raise healthy children. One of the modules focuses specifically on shaken baby syndrome and what parents can do when their baby cries.

If you feel you can not cope and need help caring for your baby call the Family Hotline 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-THE-KIDS.

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