By K. Lavery, KWMU
St. Louis, MO – In conjunction with National Child Abuse Month, two Missouri children's welfare organizations are launching a new campaign to reduce the incidence of Shaken Baby Syndrome.
The Parents as Teachers program and the Missouri Children's Trust Fund are distributing large door hangers to parents of young children as a reminder to stay in control of their temper.
Parents as Teachers president and CEO Sue Stepelton describes what it looks like.
In large letters it says, 'Never Shake a Baby, period.' The next line says, 'Remember, It's Not Personal,'" Stepelton said. "We really wanted sort of imprinted on the parents' mind that they take a look at that very apparent reminder and they do something else.
Stepelton says shaking a baby can lead to severe brain damage or even death.
The groups are encouraging parents to have a plan in place for how they'll react before feeling the urge to shake an infant.