“Infants are punching each other, whether we like it or not.”

Infants — defined as “a very young child or baby.” — have long held a special place in our hearts. Their large eyes, cute smiles and indistinguishable noises trigger our emotions as though it was instinct.

But, I’m here today to shine light on the very ugly epidemic that has gone unchecked for too long.

Today’s infants are getting into more fist fights than ever before.

No longer can we as a society turn our heads to this truth. Infants are punching each other, whether we like it or not.

Here are the cold, hard facts.

1 out of every 4 infants within the United States have been admitted into a hospital with wounds sustained during a fist fight. Think about it. Every 4th person you meet has punched or been punched by an infant. Scary.

within the United States have been admitted into a hospital with wounds sustained during a fist fight. Think about it. Every 4th person you meet has punched or been punched by an infant. Scary. Online sales of brass knuckles have increased by 69% within the last 13 months. The reason? You guessed it, infant street fights.

within the last 13 months. The reason? You guessed it, infant street fights. Predominantly white suburban neighborhoods have seen the highest growth in infant fist fights.

All hope is not lost, however.

Civil leaders everywhere are spearheading initiatives to stop the spread of infant fist fights. Ranging from public forums to peaceful protests, communities are sucker punching this issue into submission.

Let me introduce you to one of these heroes, Beverly from St. Augustine, Florida.

Photo Credit: http://www.okcupid.com/profile/itsmebeverly

She has started a Facebook group dedicated to educating new parents on preventative measures to take to decrease the chances their infants get into a fist fight.

You are so strong, Beverly. Thank you.