WORKING with regional partners NHS Tees Valley Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has launched a virtual programme to help parents and carers understand and respond to their crying baby.
Research has shown that this knowledge helps to reduce risk and prevent the potential injuries caused by shaking.
‘ICON – Babies Cry, You can Cope’ is designed to help parents and carers understand the normal crying patterns of babies and help them to develop successful coping strategies. The programme includes sharing four simple messages during the ante natal period and in the first few months of a baby’s life.
I Infant crying is normal
C Comforting methods can help
O It’s OK to walk away
N Never, ever shake a baby
Jean Golightly, director of nursing and quality, NHS Tees Valley CCG said: “It’s normal for babies to cry and sometimes this can increase at around 8 weeks of age before easing. We know that some parents and carers may get frustrated by this and we want to provide all the support we can to help them. The programme sets out clear steps parents and carers can take to relieve pressure so they don’t find themselves in a position where they may shake or strike a baby – it’s about providing support at a time when people can’t always get help, especially in these times of social isolation.”
The programme was developed by Dr Suzanne Smith after research highlighted that crying in babies could result in parents or carers losing control and shaking their baby.
Midwives, health visitors and other professionals across Tees have now developed ICON expertise to help give parents and carers consistent messages to help keep their babies safe.
The ICON programme is being delivered across the Tees footprint in partnership with South Tees Public Health, South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, North Tees and Hartlepool Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Harrogate and District Foundation Trust, Redcar and Cleveland 0-19 Healthy Child Service and Hartlepool 0-19 Healthy Child Service.
For more information on the ICON programme visit: www.iconcope.org