Crying and feeding issues

Advice and help for people looking after young infants who may have worries about crying and feeding issues is available on the NHS.uk website: Please follow this link to tips for new parents.

In addition, information to help people who care for babies to cope with crying can be found on the ICON website.

ICON stands for:

• Infant crying is normal
  –Babies start to cry more frequently from around 2 weeks of age. The crying may get more frequent and last longer. After 8 weeks of age babies start to cry less each week.
• Comforting methods can help
  – Comfort methods can sometimes soothe the baby and the crying will stop. Think are they: hungry, tired, or in need of a nappy change? Try simple calming techniques such as singing to the baby or going for a walk.
• It’s Ok to walk away
  – It’s OK to walk away if you have checked the baby is safe and the crying is getting to you. After a few minutes when you are feeling calm, go back and check on the baby.
• Never, ever shake a baby
  – It can cause lasting brain damage or death. If you are worried that your baby is unwell contact your GP or call NHS 111.