Never Shake or Toss a Baby in the Air — Risk of Permanent Brain and Eye Damage

Dr. Sandip Gupta

This video is a warning: if you are shaking your baby back and forth vigorously or tossing them up in the air, stop right now — never make this mistake, because it can cause damage to the child's brain and eyes. Why it is dangerous: When we shake children vigorously, their head size is quite large and their neck muscles are not that strong, so the head moves back and forth. This can cause subdural haemorrhage, meaning bleeding inside the brain, and bleeding inside the eyes, and this can cause permanent damage to the child. What to do instead: Whenever you are playing with the baby, do not toss them up in the air vigorously and never shake them hard. Handle the baby gently, because babies are very delicate and playing this way can cause them permanent damage. Relevant for: parents or relatives who play with a baby by tossing them in the air or rocking them vigorously; parents asking why shaking a baby is dangerous; parents wanting to understand shaken baby injury, brain bleeding and eye bleeding in infants; parents asking why a baby's head and neck need support; and parents wanting to know how to handle and play with a newborn safely. Disclaimer: This video is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every child is different — please seek immediate medical attention if your baby has been shaken or has had a fall, or shows drowsiness, vomiting, seizures, unusual crying, or does not feed well.