ICON (infant crying)
Introduction
Babies cry for many reasons. They are hardwired to cry whenever they need a caregiver to help them. This is because their brains have yet to develop the circuits that allow for self-control or understanding. Crying is meant to be upsetting for a parent. Crying is Nature’s way of making sure they pay attention quickly.
A cry might signal many things, for example, discomfort or hunger. Sometimes, young babies cry for no reason at all and sometimes they cry and just cannot be settled. This may be upsetting for both baby and parent, but it causes no harm and will eventually stop.
Source: Infant crying is normal – ICON Cope
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 an acronym that was designed to support parents with recognising normal infant crying, coping with a crying baby and prevention of harm that can cause lasting damage to children.
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, carers and families of under 5’s in Hampshire. They provide support on a wide range of health and wellbeing issues including crying babies, infant feeding, starting baby on solid foods, sleep and behaviour problems. As well as giving advice, the team can signpost to appropriate services and other support.
Text: 07520 615720 or scan the QR code below:
Opening times: 9.00am – 4.00pm Monday-Friday exc. bank holidays
Resources
ICON leaflet for parents and carers or scan the QR code below:
Coping with Crying Plan – This template can be used to plan comfort methods, who to call for support and how to relax when feeling stressed. This has been made to be editable on computers, tablets and mobiles. It can also be printed to provide a hard copy.
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 infant.
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.
Family Information and Services Hub | Family Lives – Family Lives provides 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 in Dorset and Hampshire.
NHS 111 – 111 Online will direct you to the best place to get help if you are worried about your baby.