Shaken Baby Syndrome

I learned a very important bit of information when I was attending one of my child development classes in college.  Shaken Baby Syndrome is 100% preventable.  I know it sounds obvious but when you are a stressed out, sleep and sex deprived, financial strapped parent, you sometimes do not think very rationally.  If you are a new parent, I want you to know that if you are feeling overwhelmed and are afraid that you may hurt your child, take a time out.  Put your child safely in their crib and walk away for 10 minutes in another room.  Read a book or take a shower.  Your child will be safe and you can take some time to calm down.  Maybe even ask a neighbor that you trust to watch your child while you take a walk around the block.  If your child is a screamer or is colicky, then you need to have a plan for those times when you have had enough.  Have a plan in place that you tell to your spouse and others in your support system.  You are not a bad mom if you let your child cry for a few minutes while you take a timeout.