It's never OK to shake a baby

The Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida's Child Advocacy Program, generously supported by the Prendergast Family Endowment Fund, is working to prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome in Southwest Florida. April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and TCH is giving a customized "onesie" to all babies born at HealthPark Medical Center, Cape Coral Hospital and Gulf Coast Hospital this month. Infants being discharged from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit will also be given the customized "onesie" that reads, "Fragile, Handle With Care."

"The 'Fragile Handle With Care' onesie will serve as a visual reminder to parents that their new baby is truly fragile," said Michele King, director of The Children's Hospital's Child Advocacy Program. "In other words, shaking a baby is not harmless. It's child abuse. It's never okay to shake a baby."

Educational information about Shaken Baby Syndrome is also being given to the families during this month. Throughout the year parents of newborns are encouraged to view a DVD about Shaken Baby Syndrome as it is one of the most common causes of death by physical abuse among children in Florida. SBS occurs when a frustrated caregiver loses control and shakes a young child, causing permanent brain damage or death.