“Babies cry, you can cope!” is the message from the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board (BOB ICB) which is supporting a national campaign to raise awareness about the risks of shaking a baby.

Research shows that some parents and carers can lose control when a baby’s crying becomes too much. Some go on to shake a baby which can lead to abusive head trauma resulting in serious brain injuries, illness or even death.

The third annual ICON week, from Monday 25 September to Friday 29 September 2023, aims to raise awareness of infant crying and explain to parents and carers how to cope.

Liz Stead, Head of Midwifery at BOB ICB said: “Abusive head trauma can occur in any situation when a parent or carer is on the edge due to infant crying. This normally starts at two weeks of age and peaks at 6 to 8 weeks.

“ICON is about supporting 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 but help and advice is available on how to stay calm in these situations to reduce the risk of harm to babies.”

Liz added: “Anyone across Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West who needs help and is struggling to cope should speak to their family or friend, midwife, health visitor or GP for advice.”

  • The ICON campaign is based on simple messages making up the ICON acronym:

I          Infant crying is normal and it will stop

C        Comforting 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 is a programme adopted by health and social care organisations in the UK to provide information about infant crying, including how to cope, support parents/carers, reduce stress and prevent abusive head trauma in babies.
  • For more information visit https://iconcope.org/about/ the website also includes posters and leaflets which people can download to promote the campaign.