“Babies cry, you can cope!” is the message from NHS, local authorities, and healthcare organisations across the country who have come together to promote lifesaving messages to parents.
Research shows that some parents and caregivers can lose control when a baby’s crying becomes too much. Some go on to shake a baby with devastating consequences.
Abusive Head Trauma (AHT) causes catastrophic brain injuries, which can lead to death, or significant long-term health and learning disabilities.
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.
“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.
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 the ICON website.”
A baby’s cry can be extremely upsetting for parents and carers, and this is a very emotional and sensitive message that should be shared with everyone who is caring for a child. The ICON message is offering coping with baby crying advice, letting parents and families know of techniques of how to comfort their baby and that it is okay if they need to take a break from a baby’s crying as long as the baby is safe, and the parent or carer returns after a few minutes.
Infant crying is normal! All babies cry to varying degrees with different causes and reasons. Being aware of why your baby is crying can help to achieve a more appropriate response and minimise stress.
About abusive head trauma
- Abusive head trauma is the most common cause of death or long-term disability in babies.
- 24 out of 100,000 hospital admissions for babies are due to abusive head trauma.
- 200 children are killed or hurt annually in the UK.
- 70% of perpetrators are males (father or male surrogates).
Shaking babies can occur in every socio-economic group. These figures certainly underestimate the real numbers involved.
For more information and help and support about ICON visit the Children's Safeguarding Assurance Partnership website.
If you are a new parent or carer and struggling with your mental health contact our Talking Therapies service.
