Abusive head trauma most often follows a carer losing control during inconsolable crying. Simple anticipatory guidance — that crying peaks in the first months, that it is normal, and that it is safe to put the baby down in the cot and step away for a few minutes — is a recognised preventive measure.
In a young infant, any bruise, especially on the face, ears, neck or trunk, warrants careful assessment for abuse, because babies who are not yet mobile rarely bruise accidentally.
- Tell every new parent that crying peaks in the first months and is not their fault.
- Teach that putting the baby down safely and stepping away is acceptable.
- Treat any bruise in a non-mobile infant as needing assessment for abuse.
- Include all carers, not only the mother, in this conversation.
Why it matters
Head trauma from shaking is preventable, and the trigger is predictable.
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