ICON: Babies Cry, You Can Cope!

Sheffield has launched a new campaign which aims to help parents and carers to cope with a crying
baby. 

The call for resources comes from a number of infant deaths and serious case reviews nationally
where a baby has died or been seriously injured as a result of abusive head trauma.

Abusive Head Trauma (AHT), also known as "shaken baby syndrome", causes catastrophic brain
injuries, which can lead to death, or significant long term health and learning disabilities.  AHT is not
restricted to specific socio-economic groups, it can occur in any environment when a parent or carer
is on the edge due to infant crying. 

The programme "ICON: Babies Cry, You Can Cope!" provides key messages and resources to let
parents and carers know that infant crying is normal and there are methods which can be used in
order to cope.  Resources include leaflets, posters and video clips which can be shared with parents
and carers at any contact had with midwives, health visitors, GPs, social workers, and other
professionals working with families.

It's okay to ask for help and support if you need it!  If you feel like you can't copy with your baby's crying, speak to:

• friends and family
• your Health Visitor
• your midwife
• your GP
• your local Children’s Centre

You can also get help from the following:

• Light pre and postnatal support Tel: 0114 4388962 https://lightpeersupport.org.uk/ 
• Early Help Front Door, if you have a concern about a family member and need support.
  Tel: 0114 203 7485
• CRY-SIS National Help line, 8451 228 669 (Lines open 7 days a week 9am-10pm)
• NSPCC, Tel: 0808 800 5000 or Online: www.nspcc.org.uk 
• ICON national campaign website: https://iconcope.org/uk

Safer Sleep
For more advice and information on Safer Sleep: https://www.safeguardingsheffieldchildren.org/p/topics/sheffield-safe-sleep

ICON Week - Monday 23rd - Friday 27th September 2024

ICON Week - Video