Take 5 and prevent shaken baby syndrome

Shaken baby syndrome occurs when a frustrated caregiver shakes an infant, causing severe brain and spinal injuries. It is natural to find taking care of a baby challenging, but caregivers should follow the Take 5 plan to give themselves a break, walk away and return to the baby calmly. By taking the time to reduce the frustration associated with a baby’s crying, the child’s wellbeing is protected.

Dr Bechtel is a Professor of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine at Yale School of Medicine. Dr. Bechtel is Medical Director, Pediatric Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) Program; Chairperson, Yale Traffic Safety Subcommittee; Co-Chairperson, State of Connecticut Child Fatality Review Panel; and Principal Investigator, Injury Free Coalition for Kids at Yale-New Haven Children's Hospital. Dr. Bechtel’s academic career has focused on the social welfare and medical well-being of children and injury prevention. Her clinical research has focused on the prevention of Abusive Head Trauma, also known as Shaken Baby Syndrome.