ICON Week 2024

Raising awareness about infant crying and coping strategies.

This September, NHS, local authorities, and healthcare organisations across the country are uniting to deliver crucial messages to parents through ICON Week 2024.

Research indicates that some parents and carers may lose control when faced with persistent infant crying, potentially leading to severe outcomes such as shaking a baby – a tragic consequence of Abusive Head Trauma (AHT). AHT results in catastrophic brain injuries, which can lead to death or long-term health and learning disabilities.

ICON is a UK-wide programme aimed at educating health and social care professionals, parents, and carers about infant crying, effective coping strategies, and how to prevent AHT. The third annual ICON Week, running from 23 to 27 September 2024, seeks to raise awareness about these issues and support families in managing stress related to infant crying.

The ICON programme is built around a simple, evidence-based acronym:

I – Infant crying is normal and will eventually stop.

C – Comfort methods can sometimes soothe the baby, and the crying will cease.

O – It’s OK to walk away for a few minutes if you have ensured the baby’s safety and the crying is overwhelming.

N – Never shake or hurt a baby.

Babies often begin to cry more frequently around two weeks of age, peaking between 6-8 weeks.

This year’s ICON Week focuses on sharing ideas and best practices. Friends and relatives play a crucial role in supporting parents and carers during the challenging times when a baby is crying.

For more information, visit www.iconcope.org/iconweek2024