ICON week launches to promote lifesaving message to new parents in Gloucestershire
It’s in a bid to safeguard children from preventable harm from parents and carers who find it difficult when their babies cry
Last updated 6th Jul 2024
Tomorrow marks the start of ICON week, with the county council, NHS, and police sharing the message that babies cry and you can cope.
It’s in a bid to safeguard children from preventable harm from parents and carers who find it difficult when their babies cry.
They say it’s all about normalising the fact that sometimes babies aren’t easily soothed.
According to Gloucestershire County Council, research shows some parents and caregivers 'can lose control' when a baby’s crying becomes too much - which can have devastating consequences for the baby.
Whilst trying to soothe the baby, some can suffer from what is known as Abusive Head Trauma (AHT), which causes catastrophic brain injuries which can lead to death, or significant long-term health and learning disabilities.
That's where ICON week comes in.
ICON is a programme adopted by health and social care organisations across the UK to provide information about infant crying, including how to cope, support parents/carers, reduce stress and prevent abusive head trauma in babies.
202\3 marks the third annual ICON week, (25 September – 29 September), promoting an 'evidence-based' programme that reinforce the acronym which makes up the name of the week:
- 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
Most babies start to cry more frequently from two weeks of age, with a peak usually being seen around 6-8 weeks.
Nurse, health visitor and founder of ICON, Dr Suzanne Smith, said: “Abusive head trauma can occur in any environment when a parent or carer is on the edge due to infant crying.
“The pressure that families are under is only being exacerbated by added pressures of the cost-of-living increase and the impact can be far-reaching and have devastating consequences.
“ICON is about sharing messages of support and advice to parents and carers who might be struggling to cope. We want to normalise the fact that babies do cry, and some aren’t easily soothed, and we want to share information far and wide about what to do in these situations and how to stay calm.
“By sharing these vitally important messages and coping techniques to carers, we are working towards reducing the risk of harm to babies and protecting them from AHT which is utterly preventable.
“Anyone who needs help and is struggling to cope, don’t continue to struggle. Help is available from your midwife, health visitor, GP or go online and there are more resources on our ICON website.”
Cllr Mark Hawthorne, leader of Gloucestershire County Council said: “We are proud to support ICON week again this year and will continue to work together with partners to share these simple, but lifesaving messages with families and prevent serious harm to babies.
“It’s normal for babies to cry, particularly in the first couple of months and this can be an extremely tiring and stressful time, as families adjust to the changes a baby brings.
“ICON gives parents techniques to help them soothe babies and cope with crying. Most importantly, if they ever feel like it’s getting too much, ICON reassures families that there is support available if they need it.”
Detective Inspector Nick Wheeler, from Gloucestershire Constabulary’s Child Abuse Investigation Team, said: "We fully support ICON week as anything which can be done to help safeguard children from preventable harm is paramount.
“The pressure parents face with young infants can be overwhelming, and we need everyone to know that advice and support is available.
“What’s really important to remember is that you’re not alone – babies crying is normal, but it can be stressful. There are useful tips and coping techniques available on the ICON website and these can be used in order to help reduce the risk to children.”
For more information visit the ICON week website.