Adequate support can reduce the risks of infant child abuse
If parents lack emotional support, they may be at a higher risk of committing child abuse. Caring for an infant requires patience, economic stability and support.
Allegations of child abuse can have life-altering repercussions. People who understand how to circumvent the frustration they might feel when their newborn cries may have more control over their emotional response.
Understanding purple crying
Infants lack the ability to communicate which makes crying one of their only options for expressing discomfort, hunger, fatigue and fear. According to WebMD, the term “purple crying” actually references an acronym that describes the unpredictable nature of a newborn’s cry.
One of the most challenging parts of an infant that experiences extended bouts of crying is that the infant may resist soothing. Despite a parent’s best efforts to console a crying child, it might appear impossible to quell the infant’s distress.
Having emotional support
Parents in dire economic circumstances or that battle emotional or mental disorders may lack the skills to properly handle a situation where their infants cry for prolonged periods. Other risk factors include the following:
- Exposure to violence
- Substance abuse
- Inadequate support
Shaken baby syndrome, one of the most common forms of infant child abuse, can have damaging outcomes. According to The Mayo Clinic, shaken baby syndrome can cause permanent brain damage or even death.
When an infant cries uncontrollably, it is often best for exasperated parents to leave their child in a safe space and then leave the room until they can get their emotions under control. Communities that realize the need for resources for young, inexperienced parents may help mitigate the likelihood of infant child abuse occurring.