Several infants have been badly injured in York County in recent weeks, and parents and other caregivers need to make sure they’re keeping such vulnerable babies out of harm’s way ”“ even if they are the one who feels they may harm the child.
In the beginning of the month, the young father of 2-month-old twins in Sanford was charged with assault for allegedly injuring both babies. Police said the baby girl was shaken, while her twin brother sustained bruises on his head and face. While both babies were later released from the hospital, it’s unclear what the extent of the long-term damage could be to the girl.
Later this month, also in Sanford, a 15-day-old baby was burned by a backyard fire, when his father’s coat caught fire, which then spread to the baby. The infant was treated at Shriners Hospitals for Children in Boston for the second- and third-degree burns, according to police.
Police reported that the baby’s father ”“ who was holding him while reportedly lying on a couch next to a fire pit in the family’s backyard ”“ had been drinking, although they didn’t say whether that played a role in the baby being burned.
However, as Maine Public Safety spokesman Steve McCausland said, the father definitely had poor judgment.
Drinking alcohol around an open fire ”“ even though it’s a popular pastime ”“ is not a particularly safe situation, and it’s certainly no place for an infant. It’s also not a good idea to place a couch near an outdoor fire, which could easily become ignited and burn more than just the couch material due to its flammable contents.
These incidents show that parents and caregivers need to exercise better judgment. With summer nearly upon us, many will probably question whether they can leave their child in their locked car while they pop into a store, or bring them to the bonfire at a friend’s party. The answer is no. A child’s safety and well-being must come before convenience, attending parties and keeping one’s own schedule on track.
It should also be clear to everyone that in times of frustration or anger, the answer is never physical force or violence against a child.
Pam Belisle, who heads the Parent Resource Center in Springvale, told the Journal Tribune recently that the best rule of thumb is not to pick up a baby if you’re feeling angry or stressed. Belisle said caregivers should put the child in a safe place for five or 10 minutes and take the time to cool down before returning to caring for the child. If the person is still having a difficult time, they should call someone who can help, like a family member.
Belisle knows firsthand the devastating results of what shaking a baby can be. She started the awareness program Don’t Shake Jake after her son was shaken by a baby sitter and did not survive.
Belisle said one in four babies who are shaken die as a result of their injuries, and even children who survive shaken baby syndrome may have irreparable brain damage, she said.
Caregivers must never shake or use physical force against a child in frustration or anger. Everyone can do their part by speaking up when they see a caregiver using poor judgment, and even calling police when they believe a child is in danger. If a family member or friend asks for help with their child, lend a hand ”“ it just might save that child’s life.
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Today’s editorial was written by City Editor Robyn Burnham Rousseau on behalf of the Journal Tribune Editorial Board. Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski by calling 282-1535, ext. 322, or via email at kristenm@journaltribune.com.
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