Crying is normal. Shaking is never a safe response. FCC’s Shaken Baby Simulation is a hands-on education experience that helps caregivers understand the real risks of abusive head trauma and learn safer ways to cope in high-stress moments.

What is abusive head trauma?

Abusive head trauma (sometimes called “shaken baby syndrome”) is a severe form of child abuse that results in a brain injury. It often happens when a caregiver becomes overwhelmed or frustrated by a baby’s crying.

Babies under 1 year old are at the greatest risk because their brains and neck muscles are still developing. Even a few seconds of violent shaking can cause serious injury.

​How common is it?
National estimates vary by data source and definition, but pediatric experts estimate an incidence of about 25 to 35 children per 100,000 per year under age 1. 

Why this matters: The Reality of Crying and Caregiver Stress

Abusive head trauma is a leading cause of child abuse deaths in children under five. Nearly all victims experience serious long-term health consequences, and as many as 1 in 4 babies who experience abusive head trauma die from their injuries.

​Long periods of inconsolable crying can be normal, especially in the first few months of life. The goal is not perfect calm. The goal is safe caregiving and a plan for what to do when you feel overwhelmed.
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If you feel yourself getting upset:
  • Put your baby in a safe place – like a crib – and step away to calm down.
  • Check back regularly while you reset.
  • Call someone you trust for support. 

What is the Shaken Baby Simulation

FCC uses a RealCare Shaken Baby simulator as an educational tool for caregivers, families, and groups. The simulator provides a powerful visual demonstration of how shaking can injure an infant’s brain.

What participants learn through the simulation:
  • A visual demonstration of harm: The simulator’s transparent head uses lights and icons to show areas of the brain that can be damaged by shaking and what those regions control.
  • Hands-on soothing skills: Participants can practice calming techniques (including swaddling) and learn practical, safer responses during stressful moments. 
  • A simple safety plan: What to do immediately when crying feels unmanageable, and how to build support before you are in a crisis moment. 

How FCC brings this program to families and the community

FCC can bring the Shaken Baby Simulation to:
  • Family homes (as part of supportive education and prevention programming)
  • Parenting groups and community organizations
  • Schools, training programs, and youth-serving organizations
  • Child care centers and early learning professionals
  • Workplaces seeking family wellness education or lunch-and-learn programming

​Our goal is to make the risk visible and real, then equip caregivers with practical tools and support.

Request a presentation or home demonstration
Interested in scheduling the Shaken Baby Simulation for your family, organization, or workplace?

Contact FCC to request:
  • A home-based demonstration
  • A community presentation
  • A staff training session
  • A customized session for your group​ ​
A serious note: if you are afraid you might hurt yourself or your childIf you are feeling out of control, overwhelmed, or afraid you might hurt yourself or your child, get help immediately:
  • If anyone is in immediate danger, call 911.
  • Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) for 24/7, confidential support.
  • If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected in Indiana, call the Indiana Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline: 1-800-800-5556 (available 24/7).

You are not alone. Support is available, and asking for help is a protective step.