The Massachusetts Shaken Baby Prevention Initiative offers these tips for parents. All babies cry, some for two or more hours a day. It is normal and does not mean you are a bad parent. Help your baby cry less by:
Pick your baby up right away when he or she is crying. Try feeding, changing, or rocking him or her. Going for a walk. Swaddling him or her. Distracting him or her with movement, sounds, or a scenery change. Take care of yourself: Get as much sleep as possible. Listen to music with headphones, take a shower. Get regular exercise and eat well. Make a list of people you can ask for help. If you are frustrated or angry: Put the baby down on his or her back in a safe place, like the crib, and leave the room until you are calmer. Take a break from the sound of crying. Call the Parental Stress Line at 1-800-632-8188 or find a support group. Talk to all your baby's care- givers about the dangers of shaking. Never leave your infant with a person who has anger management issues.
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