NHS NW London is rolling out the ICON programme across our 8 London boroughs. ICON training of key health professionals has started and we will keep you updated as to the progress in your borough.
ICON is an effective evidence-based programme designed to provide information to parents and carers about infant crying, including how to cope, where to get support and so reduce stress and prevent abusive head trauma in babies.
Some cases Abusive Head Trauma can happen as a result of a parent or carer losing control when the crying becomes too much to cope with. Infant crying peaks at 6 – 8 weeks of age which coincides with research findings that Abusive Head Trauma tends to occur when babies are aged between 2 – 4 months.
The ICON programme aims to prevent Abusive Head Trauma through a consistent message of information and support parent and carers around this crucial time.
The ICON programme consists of five core brief ‘touchpoint’ interventions by health professionals giving the same consistent message to parents and carers that reinforce the ICON message:
Infant crying is normal
Comfort methods can help
Ok to walk away if the baby is safe and the crying is getting to you
Never ever shake a baby