Why you must never, ever shake a baby

2. Why you must never, ever shake a baby • Brain damage • Blindness • Paralysis • Deafness • Seizures • Broken bones • Delays in normal development • Your baby can die. A single shake can cause bleeding in and around the brain. This can lead to permanent brain damage, or even death. A single shake can cause:

3. The number one reason why babies are shaken… • is because they won't stop crying, and the caregiver gets angry and frustrated. • When your baby won't stop crying, be strong enough to walk away. • Never leave your baby with someone you know has anger problems. • Always supervise young children around your baby.

4. Why your baby cries • Crying is normal for a baby. It's their way of communicating and doesn't mean they're being naughty. • But sometimes a baby just won't stop crying, and almost all parents have times when they feel like they're at breaking point. • Let’s go through the crying checklist…

5. Crying checklist If your baby is crying, go through this checklist: • Does your baby need feeding or a nappy change? • Is your baby's clothing too tight? • Are there signs that they might be ill? - if so call a doctor • Are they teething? • Make sure your baby isn't too hot or cold.

6. Try this: • Burp your baby • If they are young, wrap them in a swaddle cloth • Hold your baby close, walk gently with them, sing to them, or try a soothing bath • Try a walk outside in their stroller or a drive around the block • If they still won't stop crying count to ten andtake a break. When you are ready, come back and comfort them.

7. If baby still won’t stop crying • Walk away from your baby. If you're feeling frustrated, don't pick your baby up. Make sure they’re safe, then walk away • Call a friend. Make sure you have someone you can call when you need to talk. • Do something to relax. You can: • count slowly to ten • do something that distracts you • do something that will help you feel calm. • check on your baby regularly, but don't pick them up until you feel calm.

8. Ask for help • If you're not sure what to do and need someone to talk to, call a trusted friend or a helpline. There are lots of trained professionals out there who can help you. • If you'd like someone to talk to, call: • Power to Protect helpline 24/7 on 0800 300 026 • Plunket 0800 933 922 • Barnardos 0800 472 7368 • Healthline 0800 611 116 • Youthline 0800 376 633 • Your midwife or doctor • If it's an emergency, call 111 for immediate medical help for your baby.

9. If you think your baby has been shaken • Don't let fear or pride stop you from calling the doctor straight away. • Getting help early could save your baby's life. • Phone 111 for urgent medical help.

10. You have the power to protect • www.powertoprotect.net.nz • 0800 300 026