What is Shaken Baby Syndrome caused by?

Shaken Baby Syndrome is primarily caused by a violent shaking of the child. This action can lead to severe brain injury and other physical trauma because an infant’s neck muscles are not fully developed, making their heads more susceptible to damage from the violent motion. The shaking can cause the brain to move back and forth within the skull, resulting in swelling, bleeding, and potentially permanent brain damage.

The other options, while they may contribute to a child's overall well-being or safety, do not directly cause Shaken Baby Syndrome. Lack of supervision, improper feeding practices, and excessive screen time may pose different risks to a child but do not have the immediate and devastating effects on a child’s brain that violent shaking does. Understanding the direct cause helps in recognizing the seriousness of the behavior and promoting safe practices in child care.