Should you need urgent health advice please contact your GP or call NHS 111. In an emergency please visit A&E or call 999
ICON is a programme adopted by health and social care organisations in the UK to provide information about infant crying, including how to cope, support for parents/carers, how to reduce stress and prevent abusive head trauma in babies.
The evidence-based programme consists of a series of brief interventions that reinforce the simple message making up the ICON acronym:
I – Infant crying is normal and it will stop
C – Comfort methods can sometimes soothe the baby and the crying will stop
O – It’s OK to walk away for a few minutes if you have checked the baby is safe and the crying is getting to you
N – Never ever shake or hurt a baby
A video has been produced by the LLR Safeguarding Children Partnership showcasing the opportunities when health professionals will talk to parents/carers about ICON and crying, including anticipating and managing crying.
Read more about coping with crying and your baby and their crying.
Never shake or hurt a baby. It can cause lasting injury, brain damage or death. Babies cry, you can cope; put your baby in a safe place and walk away until calmer.
