ICON Week 2025

ICON Week 2025 is a reminder that preventing harm starts with understanding, support and compassion. Together, we can build a safer world for babies, and a more confident and supported environment for those caring for them.

The national campaign shares the important message: “Babies cry, you can cope!” Crying is a normal part of every baby’s development. For many parents, it can feel overwhelming – especially when combined with the pressures of everyday life. ICON Week helps families understand why babies cry, offers practical coping strategies, and highlights the importance of looking after your own mental health.

The ICON message is simple:

• 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
• N – Never shake or hurt a baby

This year’s theme is about mental health and staying calm. And that applies to everyone – mums, dads, and carers. For men in particular, talking about stress and finding ways to calm down before handling a crying baby can be a big challenge. ICON encourages both men and women to reach out for support, talk to someone they trust, and take breaks when needed.

To find out more about the ICON programme and its helpful resources, please visit the link https://iconcope.org/about/