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This week, 23rd – 27th September 2024, is ICON week, which is dedicated to raising awareness about infant crying and how to manage it, supporting parents and carers, and preventing serious injuries, illnesses, and even fatalities caused by Abusive Head Trauma, often resulting from shaking a baby.
ICON is an acronym for:
Today, we are focusing on the second letter in the ICON acronym:
 Babies can cry for different reasons like when they are hungry, wet/dirty or if they are unwell. Sometimes babies can also cry for no reason.
Check these basic needs and try some simple calming techniques, including:
- Talking calmly to your baby, stroking them gently.
- Hum, sing or play soothing music to your baby.
- Hold your baby close to you – skin to skin.
- Go outside with your baby and walk them in a pram or baby sling.
- Sucking can help relieve a baby’s crying. If offering the breast is not possible, a dummy can soothe your baby.
- Try giving your baby a warm bath.
Not all of these will work all of the time, but remember – that’s ok. Stay calm, this phase will pass.
The ICON website provides extensive material to promote that infant crying is normal. This includes information about when to worry about a baby’s crying and a video about how to comfort your baby. These are available in the following link: Comforting methods can help - ICON Cope
The CSCP website also includes a number of resources which can be used to promote ICON Week: CSCP ICON page.
Professionals should print copies of resources, where possible, to share with families during contact sessions, and to display in public areas, to raise awareness of the ICON message.
If you know a family who needs support with Infant Crying, please signpost them to their midwife, GP or Health Visitor.
Please look out for tomorrow’s 5 Minute Briefing, where we will be focusing on the third letter in the ICON acronym; It’s OK to walk away.
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