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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 third letter in the ICON acronym:
 It’s ok to walk away if you have checked the baby is safe and the crying is getting to you. After a few minutes, when you are feeling calm, go back and check on the baby.
Not being able to stop a baby crying does not mean you are doing anything wrong, or that you have a ‘bad’ or ‘naughty’ baby.
Parents should think about how they might take their mind off the crying. Make sure that the baby is safe before walking away. Then you must go back to check on the baby after a few minutes, when you feel yourself calming down. It is important for parents to find time for themselves to help them cope through, what can be, a stressful time.
The ICON website provides extensive material to promote that infant crying is normal. This includes information about how to create a Crying Plan to cope with crying and a video about relaxation techniques. 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 final letter in the ICON acronym; Never, ever shake a baby.
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