How Serious is Shaken Baby Syndrome Problem?
The approximate number of SBS is still unknown. Cases of SBS often go unnoticed, however it accounts for approximately 10% of early child death cases. Children with an age as less as 3 months have been victims of this problem. In some rare cases, the problem may persist till early adolescence. There are some cases of SBS reported in newborn babies as well. As stated earlier, SBS involves violent shaking of the child. Some common effects of this could be spinal cord injuries, retinal hemorrhages, permanent brain injury and early death. Approximately 25% of SBS cases end up in child death, due to lack of proper medication.
Understanding and Preventing Shaken Baby Syndrome
It is important to first understand what triggers shaken baby syndrome to help prevent it. Shaken baby syndrome is commonly seen in children who have physical deformities, learning disabilities, in adopted or foster care children, etc. If the parental frustration is not on account of any of these problems, then the problem might be triggered on account of factors such as insufficient parental education, parents with psychic problems, single parenting, early pregnancy or parents with substance abuse problems. It is often seen that, parents have themselves been abused in some way in their early childhood. If not intentionally, then the problem can be out of accidental brain injury on account of neglecting the child. Some other known factors include incorrect way of carrying babies viz. in back packs or kangaroo bags.
As alert citizens, it is our moral duty to inform a child abuse hot-line service immediately if we happen to know about a case of shaken baby syndrome and child abuse in our neighborhood. The abusive parents are likely to face legal action as it has been quoted as a criminal offense under Shaken Baby Syndrome Prevention Act.
If you as a parent are prone to lose control on your anger, then follow the following steps:
It is best to avoid disciplining your child whenever you are angry. Similarly, avoid being close to your child when you are angry or when you are arguing with an adult.
Never shake your child violently.
If you happen to experience bouts of anger and frustration, then take help in child caring from a responsible caregiver from your family till you control your anger.
Visit a counselor and opt to join an anger management program.
What Happens When a Child is Shaken?
It is fact that an infant’s brain is much smaller than the actual size of the skull. This is because the brain is still developing in the infancy age and grows larger as time moves on. A sudden and violent shaking can often result in shifting of the brain within the skull compartment causing tearing of blood vessels and severe damage to nervous tissues. This may cause internal bleeding in the brain and the eyes. As the problem advances, more complicated problems on account of damaged nervous system crop up. Often the damage to the brain becomes permanent viz cerebral palsy or blindness. At the same time, an infant’s muscle and bone tissues require time to develop. If the child is neglected or physically abused, there are cases of weakening of muscles, rib fractures and greenstick fractures. At times, there may be some bruising on skin surface. Some of the telltale signs and symptoms to identify an SBS case may include, breathing problems, general lethargy, vomiting and nausea, irritability, brain selling, seizures, poor appetite, pale skin, unconsciousness, unpredictable behavior patterns, gloomy mood of the child, cerebral contusions, shearing of blood vessels, subdural and subarachnoid hemorrhages, neck and spinal injury, rib fractures and greenstick fractures, non accidental bruises and injuries, retinal hemorrhages, blood shot eyes and swelling under eyes.
One of the first aids to treat shaken baby syndrome include surgery and giving respiratory support. Surgery might include drainage of blood from brain to reduce internal swelling. An expert neurologist and ophthalmologist may have to be consulted for the matter. All necessary precautions to handle seizures should be followed. The child may need to be admitted in a hospital for treatment before he is fit enough to be sent back home. Remember, children look up to adults for support and protection. It is our moral duty to provide it to them.
Preparing Your Child for Surgery
Dealing with Infants
Even though they can’t yet talk, infants are very sensitive to their surroundings. They will easily get disturbed by the hospital environment since it’s new to them. They are acutely sensitive to the pitch of their caregivers’ voice and their mannerisms. So if you are tensed, your infant will feel the stress too. Lower your anxiety levels, remain calm and composed, and stick to a routine to help your infant cope better with the surgery. Carry their security blanket if they are used to one, whether it’s the pacifier, a favorite blanket, or a stuffed toy. As compared to older kids, infants will need extra comforting. Sometimes, surgery is carried out on an empty stomach, so if your child has to go with little or no food for a day, it is going to make him very cranky. They may even demand to be held more often than usual. Hold your baby close and offer all the comfort you can.
Dealing with Toddlers and Preschoolers
An age when children can’t yet fully communicate their wants, but still want to be independent. You might want to ask your pediatrician to have a friendly talk with your little one about the hospital visit. One of the best things you can do to allay their fears is to buy a doctor set and play with them. Kids this age love roleplays, and this will prove the ideal setting for you to explain what might happen on the day of surgery. Take turns playing the doctor and then the patient so your child gets a better understanding of the scenario. You could even use his stuffed toy as the patient with your kid enacting the role of the doctor to better explain what a surgical procedure seems like. Always use child-friendly language. It might be a good idea to take your kid for a tour of the hospital facility, and familiarize him with the settings. On the day of surgery, bring along their favorite toy, books and DVDs.
Dealing with School-aged Children
Children of this age are much more mature and a lot more curious than toddlers and preschoolers, so expect to be bombarded with numerous questions about the surgery. Be very careful what words you use. Explain why he or she needs to undergo the procedure. Kids can sometimes be fraught with guilt and feel that surgery is a way they are being reprimanded for behaving badly. Explain that this is not true, and the surgery is being carried out simply to fix a problem. Take them on a hospital tour, where they can see and understand for themselves where they would be during the surgery. Explain terms like anesthesia, surgeon, operating room, operation, and the fact that they will meet many nurses and doctors at the hospital. Inform them what all steps are followed before the actual surgery takes place (they might not be allowed to have food, they will have to change into a hospital gown, the nurse will take initial readings like temperature and weight, etc.). Talk about the fact that once it’s all over, they may see some body part (where the surgery took place) covered in bandages, and it is nothing to be scared of, and it will be taken off in no time once they recover. Emphasize that they will feel better very soon.
School-going children may have seen surgery or a hospital setting on TV, and may have a wrong idea about the whole thing. Clearly state that whatever they saw on TV is not the real thing. Never ever tell them they are big kids now and should not cry. This can have an undesirable effect. They might just keep their fears to themselves, for fear of being ridiculed. For them, a surgical procedure can be terrifying. So encourage them gently to voice any concerns they may have and discuss and soothe their fears. Phrases like “anesthesia will put you to sleep” should be strictly avoided. Children generally associate “put to sleep” with animals, especially when animals are euthanized. The phrase might actually scare them if they think they too will never wake up from surgery. Also carefully explain that there might be a bit of pain after the surgery has been completed, but that doctors will give medicines to get rid of it.
Helping Children After the Procedure
Children, especially infants and toddlers, can be excessively irritable after the surgery and difficult to console. Handling them might be tougher, especially if they can’t be picked up and held yet. The fussiness could be because they are hungry, in considerable pain, or side effects of the anesthesia haven’t yet completely faded which can make them feel groggy. If you are alone, take help from friends and family, especially if you have other kids to look after. Once the child enters the recuperative stage, follow all the instructions prescribed by the doctor. Give the prescribed medication on time, without fail. Older children might like a visit from other family members and friends, so ask your loved ones to pay them a visit. Visiting friends and family can be a welcome distraction from pain. Decorate your child’s room with balloons, so when he wakes up, he will be pleased and remain cheerful.
A child undergoing surgery is not a pleasant scenario. Remember that as the parent, your child will look up to you for comfort and support. So it’s essential that you do not neglect yourself and take good care in the days leading up to the surgery, and accept any help that comes your way, without hesitation. Children will pick on the tone of your voice and your emotions, so stay composed, however anxious you are. Abide by the doctor’s guidelines about any special aftercare procedures, so your child will recuperate faster.
As a baby grows, you will notice that the baby tries to grab at food that you are feeding or eating. This generally happens when the baby is about seven months old and it means that the baby is ready to have solid food. But most mothers are afraid to introduce solid food to babies and are unsure what type of finger food to serve them. Finger food should be introduced to a baby when he/she is about 7-9 month old. You need to make sure that the finger food that you serve is bite sized and is easy to eat. Most babies develop their motor skills by picking food with their fingers and putting them into their mouth. So you should let them pick up their own food from the plate or bowl. Here we are going to discuss what are the best finger foods for babies.
Best Baby Finger Foods
Ideally, finger food for babies should be small and bite sized. The food that you serve as finger food to babies should be easy to handle so that the baby is able to pick it up. Avoid giving babies hot or spicy food as this might upset their stomach and irritate their mouth. Try to serve different varieties of baby food that has different flavor, aroma and texture so that the baby is introduced to new foods and does not get bored with the same taste. Given below are some ideas on what constitutes as good finger foods for babies.
Fruits
Fruits are one of the safest baby finger foods. You can serve small pieces of sliced bananas, sliced apples, diced melons (very small dice) and slices of avocado. All these fruits have a sweet taste that babies are sure to like. You can also serve diced peach, mango and plum as finger food for babies. Refrain from serving whole grapes as finger food for babies as they might be a choking hazard.
Vegetables
Some vegetables make excellent finger food for babies. Cooked peas that are mashed a bit with a fork and cooled down works as a finger food. Smaller broccoli florets that has been steamed and cooked carrot sticks and potato sticks also works well. Avoid serving highly salted French fries to babies as the high sodium content in the fries are not appropriate finger food for babies.
Cooked Pasta
One of the best finger foods for babies is cooked pasta. But by cooked pasta and noodles, it does not mean that you serve the adults versions of it, smothered in pasta sauces. Al dente pasta that has been cooked in boiling water and then cooled are suitable for a baby. You can even serve cooked noodles that have been cut up into bite size pieces.
Cereals and Breads
Cereals that are low in sugar and lightly toasted makes good finger foods for babies. You can also try small pieces of soft bread that is cut into small pieces as finger food. Place small bite sized pieces of toasted bagel or toasted bread on a tray and watch how your baby love this tasty treat.
Cheese
One of the best finger food for babies is cheese. Cut semisoft cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar into small chunks and place them on a table for the baby to eat. To introduce baby to cheese, start off with milder cheese that does not have a sharp and distinctive taste. Avoid soft cheeses like Brie or blue cheese at this period.
These were some of the best finger foods for babies. You can also serve hard-boiled eggs that has been cut into small chunks and strips of pita bread to the baby. When the baby is having finger food, avoid fussing over him and don’t rush to feed him/her if the baby is not able to grasp the food. However it is wise to keep an eye on him in case the baby chokes when he/she is eating finger food.