'Don't shake the baby': towards a prevention strategy

Abstract

This paper reports on the findings of a study on the extent to which carers felt like shaking, and shook, their babies and young children and the circumstances surrounding the feelings and/or actions of shaking. The research was designed to inform a 'Don't Shake Your Baby' campaign planned by the prevention sub-committee of the London Borough of Newham's Area Child Protection Committee. The main findings from interviews with 83 mothers, and self-completion questionnaires completed by 152 secondary school students, are discussed. Recommendations for a prevention programme are suggested in light of the findings.