Abusive head trauma (AHT) involves an inflicted injury to the head and its contents, including injuries caused by shaking and blunt impact. The term "shaken baby syndrome" (SBS) is commonly used to describe one form of AHT. The following resources address different strategies and programs to prevent AHT/SBS, including State and local examples.
All Babies Cry
Vida Health Communications
Incorporates the protective factors of the Strengthening Families Initiative to show new mothers and fathers demonstrations of infant soothing and strategies for managing normal stress in parenting.
Period of PURPLE Crying: A New Way to Understand Your Baby's Crying
National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome (2016)
Discusses typical infant crying behavior and provides strategies to prevent shaken baby syndrome through new parent education.
Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma: A Complicated Child Welfare Issue
Findley, Johnson, Judson, Staas, Redleaf, Hyman (2015)
The Guardian, 37
Discusses the Innocence Project’s information on shaken baby syndrome, including concerns about the diagnosis of child abuse, the consideration of alternative causes, the emergence of legitimate debate, and the substitution of probabilities for actual evidence.
Shaken Baby Syndrome Prevention Legislation
National Conference of State Legislatures (2015)
Reviews enacted State laws on the prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome. Subtopics addressed include information regarding hospitals and birthing, child care providers, public awareness campaigns, and school awareness.
Understanding Abusive Head Trauma in Infants and Children: Answers From America's Pediatricians (PDF- 559 KB)
American Academy of Pediatrics (2015)
Defines abusive head trauma (AHT) and explains strategies for the identification of AHT-related injuries, including subdural hematoma, retinal hemorrhages, and hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy.
State and local examples
Abusive Head Trauma Among Children Aged <2 Years—Alaska, 2005–2010 (PDF - 120 KB)
Alaska Department of Health and Social Services Division of Public Health (2012)
Discusses the findings of a study that sought to characterize the epidemiology of pediatric abusive head trauma (AHT) among children under the age of 2 in Alaska. Findings indicate that primary prevention efforts to reduce AHT should be implemented at birth (or before) with culturally appropriate materials for diverse minority populations. Recommendations for health-care providers are included.
Abusive Head Trauma (Shaken Baby Syndrome) in Virginia, 2004 - 2008 (PDF - 70 KB)
Virginia Department of Health, Division of Prevention and Health Promotion (2010)
Virginia Injury Update, 4(3)
Examines the burden of health injuries in infants and toddlers attributed to shaken baby syndrome (SBS) in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The brief lists factors that can increase a caregiver's risk for harming a child and provides recommendations for preventing SBS.
Shaken Baby Syndrome
Epilepsy Association of Central Florida
Defines SBS, lists symptoms and statistics, offers education and family support, and presents prevention tips for coping with a crying baby.
Shaken Baby Syndrome Prevention Toolkit
New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Injury Prevention (2010)
Provides information to educate communities on the dangers of shaking a baby or young child. Toolkit includes factsheets, public awareness campaign materials, PowerPoint slides, and brochures for parents.