Shaken baby syndrome prevention group celebrates 25 years of advocacy

SALT LAKE CITY — The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome in Farmington celebrated 25 years of service on April 15.

Executive Director Danielle Vazquez told Utah’s Noon News that the center provides families and caregivers with evidence-based education to prevent shaken baby syndrome.

What is shaken baby syndrome?

According to the center, shaken baby syndrome is an injury resulting from child abuse. It happens “when an infant or small child is violently shaken.”

Even a few seconds of violent shaking can cause severe injuries to infants and small children.

How to prevent it

Vazquez said the center provides education and prevention programs.

Their biggest program is called the Period of PURPLE Crying. The program teaches parents about normal patterns of crying, Vazquez said.

“Crying is the number one for shaking and other forms of infant physical abuse. So it’s really important for those caregivers to understand that crying is normal, that you’re not a bad parent and if you’re feeling frustrated, it’s okay to set your baby down and walk away and take a break.”

According to Vazquez, it’s hard to track how well prevention efforts are working because “You can’t predict what hasn’t happened.”

However, she said, one study found that the PURPLE crying program reduced shaking incidents by 35%.

Offering support

Vasquez said support is available to parents and caregivers. 

“Raising a baby can be hard and it’s okay to be frustrated; it’s okay to need to take a break.”

Vasquez said that people who aren’t parents should be aware that caregivers deserve support and understanding.

“Don’t get frustrated when you hear a baby crying in the restaurant or at the grocery store. Help those caregivers. Give them the support that they might need at that time.”

Related: After release of 2024 child abuse statistics in Utah, DA says any number is too high

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