THEthe a newborn’s cry is a sound full of lifewhen you listen to it for the first time, reassures: it is the sign that everything is fine, that that little breath is making its way into the world. The same sound, however, if it becomes prolonged, if it fills all hours of the night, can become difficult to sustain and manage. It is precisely in those moments that an instinctive impulse can be triggered, how to shake the baby to make him stop. An act that can have very serious and permanent consequences. To shine a spotlight on this risk, the National Days dedicated to the prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome return on 11 and 12 April 2026.
Shaken baby syndrome, the crying that puts a strain
The heart of the initiative beats thanks to the collaboration between Terre des Hommes and Simeupor the Italian Society of Pediatric Emergency and Urgency Medicine. Together, these two entities have decided to join forces to bring the project “Don’t shake it!” directly in the streets and squares.
On Saturday and Sunday the mobilization will be impressive: over 150 Italian cities will symbolically color themselves orangethe color chosen for this awareness campaign, a visible signal that will involve hospitals, pharmacies and historical monuments, ready to light up to attract the attention of anyone passing by.
“Don’t shake it”: April 11th and 12th, the importance of stopping
The objective of this widespread network is as simple as it is vital: provide the right tools to parents and caregivers to deal with moments of crisis. We want to explain clearly that that peak of exasperation that anyone can feel when faced with inconsolable crying is not a fault, but an alarm signal that must never turn into a tragedy. Through information and support, the project aims to create a social parachute that protects both the fragility of those who care for them and the safety of the little ones.
Because a few seconds can do enormous damage
A newborn is not a small adult. His head is very heavy compared to the rest of his body and his neck muscles are still too weak to support it well. When a child is shaken, even for just a few seconds, his head bobs violently and the brain, which has a very delicate consistency, bounces against the internal walls of the skull. This sudden movement causes injuries, bleeding and internal trauma which are not seen, but which the nervous system cannot bear. It is a very serious condition that doctors call Shaken baby syndrome and that is up to two years of age, although the most vulnerable are the little ones under six months.
Hospital statistics
Hospital statistics, unfortunately, tell a very harsh reality: one in four cases ends up in a coma or with the death of the child. There are those who survive, but the road for them is often uphill. Brain damage can cause blindness, paralysis, epilepsy or developmental delays which will only manifest themselves as the years pass. Often the diagnosis is difficult and arrives late because the parents, scared or unaware of the damage done, take the child to the emergency room citing lack of appetite or excessive drowsiness. Recognizing the problem immediately is essentialbut the only real cure remains prevention.
What to do when your patience is running out
The golden rule for not reaching the limit, the one that pediatricians and nurses will try to spread in the squares and pharmacies, is very practical. If the baby’s crying becomes unbearableif you have already checked that he is not hungry or feverishthe safest gesture is to lay it down.
You need to place the baby in his crib, face up, make sure he is safe and walk away. Close the door, go into another room, drink a glass of water And breathe until you regain your composure. Letting your baby cry alone for a few minutes won’t hurt him; shake it instead yes. Asking a partner, friend or neighbor for help is not a sign of failure, but of great responsibility.
An orange net to protect mothers and families
During this weekend, important monuments in many cities, such as the Mole Antonelliana in Turin or the Crotone Castle, will light up in orange. A gesture that is not intended to be just symbolic, but rather an invitation not to feel alone. The message of the campaign is clear: parenting is a challenge that requires support.
And, thanks to the collaboration of entities such as the National Federation of Nursing Professions and the Italian Federation of Pediatric Doctors, Italy is trying to build a culture where the fragility of those who care is welcomed And the safety of the little ones is put first. Information materials will be distributed at the info points set up in hospitals and squares. Because knowing what to do in those dark moments can really save a life.
