Manx Care is joining with health and social care organisations across the UK to support parents and cares in coping with infant crying.
This week is ICON Week 2025 which promotes vital messages to support parents and carers in coping with infant crying and protecting babies from harm.
Now in its fourth year, ICON Week focuses on mental health and staying calm during those challenging early months of parenting.
Supporting Parents
The campaign reminds families that infant crying is normal, offers practical coping strategies, and raises awareness of the dangers of Abusive Head Trauma.
AHT can result from shaking a baby, and lead to serious injury, disability, or death.
The ICON programme is built around a simple, evidence-based message:
- I – Infant crying is normal and will stop
- C – Comfort methods can sometimes soothe the baby
- O – It’s OK to walk away for a few minutes if the baby is safe and the crying feels overwhelming (this is not controlled crying)
- N – Never shake or hurt a baby
Manx Care professionals – including health visitors, midwives, and community nurses – are working together to deliver ICON training, ensuring that frontline staff are equipped to support families with compassion and confidence.
Any Parent
This year, ICON Week is also highlighting that coping with crying is an issue for both men and women.
For some men, finding someone to talk to and calming down before handling a baby can be an even bigger challenge. ICON encourages all parents to recognise the importance of asking for help and planning ahead for those difficult moments.
Dr Suzanne Smith, nurse, health visitor and founder of ICON, said: “Crying can push any parent to the edge, and it affects men just as much as women.
“ICON Week is about reassuring families that crying is normal, encouraging parents to care for their own mental health, and showing that support is always available.
“Taking steps to stay calm – whether that’s using the Crying Plan, reducing stimulation, or reaching out for help – can make all the difference.”
Support is available across the Isle of Man through Manx Care services, including health visitors, midwives, GPs, and online resources.
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