For Baby’s Sake

To help reduce the risk of shaken baby or shaken impact syndrome, experts offer several suggestions:

* Consider alternatives to in-home child care for infants. “From an abuse viewpoint, it’s safest [for a child] to be in group-run child care,” says Dr. Jan Bays, chairwoman of the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect. “They will get more colds, but there are checks and balances.” For instance, if one child-care worker is losing control, another can step in.

* Have a support person or persons to turn to when child-rearing becomes overwhelming. Put your baby in the crib when you get upset; allow yourself to take a few deep breaths. Call your spouse, friend or neighbor.

* Take time for something relaxing--exercise, television, a cup of tea--to manage overall stress.