ICON (infant crying)
Introduction
Babies cry for all sorts of reasons, like discomfort or hunger. They don’t have the ability to control their emotions or understand what’s going on, so they cry to get our attention. This is a natural way for babies to communicate, and it’s meant to be a bit upsetting for parents so we’ll respond quickly.
Sometimes, babies cry and we can’t figure out why. Sometimes, they just cannot be settled. This can be upsetting for both baby and parent, but it causes no harm and it the crying will eventually stop.
Like adults, every baby is different, with some crying more than others. It’s common to feel stressed when dealing with a baby’s cries, especially if the crying is frequent or it’s difficult to soothe your baby.
What does ICON stand for?
ICON is a way to help parents understand and deal with normal infant crying. It’s designed to help parents cope and calm a crying baby, and prevent harm that could cause long-term damage to the child.
ICON is an acronym that stands for:
Icon is for infant crying is normal and it will stop!
Babies start to cry more frequently from around 2 weeks of age. After about 8 weeks of age babies start to cry less each week
Comfort methods can sometimes sooth the baby and the crying will stop. Talk calmly to your baby, hold them, go for a walk. Are they hungry? Do they need a nappy change?
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.
Never, shake or hurt a baby.
Support available
If you are worried about your baby’s crying or are finding it difficult to cope, speak to your health visitor or GP for support.
ChatHealth Service – ChatHealth 0-5 is a text messaging service run by local health visitors for parents, caregivers, and families with children under 5 in Hampshire. They offer support on a wide range of health and wellness issues, such as crying babies, infant feeding, starting baby on solid foods, sleep and behaviour problems. The team not only provides advice, but also helps connect parents with other services and resources that can provide additional support.
Text: 07520 615720 or scan the QR code below:
Opening times: 9.00am – 4.00pm Monday-Friday exc. bank holidays
Resources
Download the ICON leaflet for parents and carers here or scan the QR code below:
Coping with Crying Plan – This is a template that you can use to:
- Plan how you will calm and comfort your baby when they cry.
- Think about who you can call for help and support when you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed.
- Learn some relaxation techniques to help you feel more calm and in control.
You can use this template on your computer, tablet, or mobile phone, and it’s also easy to print out so you can have a copy to keep with you.
Caring for my baby plan – This template can be used to plan ahead for some common scenarios, such as going on holiday, long car journeys, leaving baby in the care of someone else etc.
Short films
Talk to other dads, you are not alone
Useful links
Parents – ICON Cope – All the latest advice and soothing techniques for a crying baby.
Support For Crying And Sleepless Babies | Cry-sis – Support for parents with crying and sleepless babies. Helpline number: 08451 228 669. Opening times: 9.00am – 10.00pm.
Babies and crying | NSPCC – Guide for supporting parents with crying.
The Lullaby Trust – Safer sleep for babies and support for families.
Hampshire Healthy Families – Hampshire Healthy Families is a partnership between Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust and Barnardo’s to deliver the healthy child programme across Hampshire. They offer helpful, free advice and guidance.
Family Lives – Hampshire – Family Lives in Hampshire provides local information, advice, guidance and support on all aspects of parenting and family life.
Healthier Together (what0-18.nhs.uk) – Provides information and resources to improve the health of children and young people living in Hampshire and Dorset.
NHS 111 – 111 Online will direct you to the best place to get help if you are worried about yourself or your baby.