Should you need urgent health advice please contact your GP or call NHS 111. In an emergency please visit A&E or call 999
It’s normal for babies to cry, but it can be stressful and sometimes it is hard to cope. Most babies start to cry more often from 2 weeks of age, with a peak usually being seen around 6 to 8 weeks. It usually settles in the third to fifth month of life.
ICON is a programme used to give information about infant crying. This includes:
- how to cope
- support for parents/carers
- how to reduce stress and prevent abusive head trauma in babies. (This used to be called shaken baby syndrome).
The evidence-based programme has a series of brief steps 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
ICON will be discussed with you by midwives, health visitors and GPs. It will be discussed at six key times before and after birth. Some families may be given further advice. ICON is also discussed by social care and voluntary organisations.
This video was not produced by Health for Under 5s and may contain adverts
This video was not produced by Health for Under 5s and may contain adverts
