This appeared on momlogic.com, see link
Camryn Jakeb Wilson was Summit County, Ohio’s 2008 New Year’s baby, born 12:33 AM on January 1, 2008. Twelve weeks later, on March 12, he was dead — the victim of shaken baby syndrome.
Craig Wilson, 29, confessed to police that he was frustrated after an argument with his wife over his ex-girlfriend and a child he had with her. He shook and squeezed Camryn before laying him in the swing but hadn’t intended to hurt the infant, he told police. He pleaded guilty Thursday to killing the infant by violently shaking him, and was sentenced to 15 years to life.
The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome estimates as many as 1,400 babies annually are injured or killed by shaking, CNN reports. According to the center, 70% to 79% of people convicted of killing or hurting babies are men. The average age of perpetrators is 24, and 82 percent are either the parent of the victim or the live-in boyfriend of the mother.
According to the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome, activities involving an infant or a child such as tossing in the air, bouncing on the knee, placing a child in an infant swing or jogging with them in a backpack do not cause the brain, bone, and eye injuries characteristic of shaken baby syndrome.
Violently shaking an infant for just a few seconds can cause:
• Brain injury leading to paralysis
• Mild to severe cognitive impairment
• Cerebral palsy
• Blindness
• Broken bones
• Death
How can such a tragedy be prevented?
Dealing with a crying baby can be beyond frustrating, especially if an infant has colic. Here are ways you can deal, courtesy of the Mayo Clinic.
* Keep your perspective. You’re not failing your baby or being lazy if you can’t stop a crying spell. Sometimes babies simply need to cry.
* Slow down. Take a deep breath and count to 10. Repeat a calm word or phrase, such as, “Take it easy.”
* Use your imagination. Take your mind off the crying by picturing yourself in a calm, relaxing place. Play soothing music in the background.
* Take a break. If you’re alone, put your baby in a safe place, such as the crib or bassinet. Let your baby cry while you take a few minutes to regroup in another room.
* Ask for help. Let your spouse or another loved one take over for a while. Take advantage of baby-sitting offers from friends, neighbors or other close contacts.
* Express your emotions. When you’re getting frustrated, speak up. Saying the words out loud–either to yourself or to an understanding friend or loved one–can help ease the tension.
* Take a walk. Put your baby in the stroller and take a brisk walk. The exertion may take your mind off the tears. If it’s too cold for an outdoor stroll, walk laps in a local shopping mall or other indoor spot. You might even buckle the baby into his or her car seat and take a short drive.
* Sleep when your baby sleeps. Sleep deprivation may only make it harder to cope with a crying baby.
* Recognize your limits. If you’re worried about your ability to cope with a crying baby, contact your doctor, a local crisis intervention service or a mental health help line for support. Post a crisis number on the refrigerator or in another visible spot.
