The idea for the ICON programme and the different interventions within it was conceived by Dr Suzanne Smith PhD following a Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Travel Fellowship to USA and Canada in 2016 which included the study of effective interventions and research into the prevention of Abusive Head Trauma (AHT).
Research suggests that some lose control when a baby’s crying becomes too much. Some go on to shake a baby with devastating consequences. Suzanne found that the most effective evidence based programmes studied provide a simple message that supports parents/care givers to cope with infant crying.
Apart from preventing AHT, most people who have ever cared for a baby appreciate some advice about how to comfort a crying baby and how to cope when it goes on for a long time.
ICON is all about helping people who care for babies to cope with crying.
I – Infant crying is normal. Babies start to cry more frequently from around 2 weeks of age.
C – Comforting methods can help. Is the baby hungry, tired or in need of a nappy change?
O – It’s OK to walk away. If you have checked the baby is safe and the crying is getting to you. After a few minutes when you are feeling calm, go back and check on the baby.
N – Never, ever shake a baby. It can cause lasting brain damage and death.
Speak to someone if you need support such as your family, friends, Midwife, GP or Health Visitor.
For all parents/caregivers
Online
Free
Please visit the ICON website and Facebook page for information and advice
You can contact us by filling in the Contact Form on the website
For more information about ICON search ICON in this directory.
