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

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 circ umstances surrounding the feelings and/or actions of shaking. The research was designed to inform a 'Don't Shake Your Baby' campaign planned by the pr evention sub-committee of the London Borough of Newham's Area Child Protect ion Committee. The main findings from interviews with 83 mothers, and self- completion questionnaires completed by 152 secondary school students, are d iscussed. Recommendations for a prevention programme are suggested in light of the findings.