Never Shake Your Baby
No matter how tired, angry or frustrated you feel, never shake or handle your baby roughly. Shaking can cause permanent brain damage or even kill a baby. It takes only a few seconds of shaking to hurt a baby's developing brain. Shaking a baby is also a crime.
If you've tried everything—feeding, cuddling, a new diaper— and your baby still won't stop crying:
- Take a step back. Put your baby in
the crib and walk into another room. Check back every few minutes to make sure she is safe. - Take five deep breaths. Inhale and exhale s-l-o-w-l-y.
- Call a trusted friend, relative or neighbor for help. Ask someone to come over and keep you company.
- Ask someone you trust to watch your baby. Then exercise or go for a walk.
Learn more about how to quiet a crying baby.
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If you are very upset and overwhelmed and need help right away, call the Parent Hotline at 1-800-342-7472.
