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.
This video was not produced by Health for Under 5’s and may contain adverts.
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.
