Mar 1st, 2024
Abusive Head Trauma (AHT) describes injury inflicted to the brains of infants and young children. All it takes is a moment of lost control and violent shaking by a caregiver for an infant to become injured, become permanently disabled, or even die.
You can prevent AHT
- Practice the 4 Ss:
- Suck- Offer baby a pacifier
- Swaddle- until baby shows signs of rolling
- Sway- gently rock baby
- Shush- or other soothing sounds
- Take a break. Never hurt a baby.
- Ask for help - have a support system in place that you can reach out to.
- Choose appropriate caregivers
- it is dangerous to leave your baby with anyone who becomes angry, loses control easily, or is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Let caregivers know to call you anytime they become frustrated.
ctf4kids.org