The two university hospitals in the region are launching a combined campaign to stop ‘Shaken Baby Syndrome’.
The Geneva and Vaud University Hospitals are urging new parents to stay calm if a baby is crying incessantly - although with understanding on how it can be stressful.
They recommend giving yourself a break and simply leave the baby in the cot.
They say shaking a baby can cause brain and retinal bleeding as muscles are not sufficiently developed.
It can also lead to lifelong problems – including mental disability and damage to eyesight.
In Switzerland, most cases of Shaken Baby Syndrome are in the first 6 months of life – and the death rate can be as high as 23%. Those that survive suffer longer term damage in 64% of cases.
In addition, the campaign urges parents to be careful about who else looks after your baby.