The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome in Farmington strives to prevent physical abuse of infants by educating caregivers about normal infant crying and the dangers of shaking. Infant crying is the number one trigger for shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma. This abuse can cause brain damage, paralysis, blindness, and death.
The Center created the Period of PURPLE Crying program to provide crucial education about normal infant crying, strategies to soothe a crying infant, and methods to cope with the frustration that may arise with an inconsolable crying baby. Normal infant crying begins at two weeks of age, peaks in the second month of life, and decreases by month five.
This prevention program is currently implemented in all birthing hospitals in Utah. New parents receive the program information and are encouraged to share the PURPLE messages with everyone caring for their baby.
SelectHealth recognizes the life-saving education provided by the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome as another example of how Utah Gives Back.