Monday, September 21, 2026
ICON Week 2026
The Isle of Man Safeguarding Board is proud to support ICON Week 2026, a national awareness campaign dedicated to helping parents and carers understand infant crying and promoting safer responses to the challenges that can come with caring for a young baby.
Taking place during the last week of September, ICON Week brings together healthcare professionals, charities, organisations and communities across the UK to raise awareness of the ICON message: Babies cry. You can cope. Never, ever shake a baby.
Explore ICON
What is ICON?
ICON is an evidence-based programme that aims to help parents and carers cope with a crying baby and reduce the risk of abusive head trauma (sometimes referred to as shaken baby syndrome).
The name ICON represents the following messages:
- I - Infant crying is normal
- C - Comforting methods can help
- O - It's OK to walk away for a few minutes if the baby is safe and you are feeling overwhelmed
- N - Never, ever shake a baby
Most babies cry, and some cry for long periods. Crying can be stressful and exhausting, particularly for parents and carers who may be tired, anxious or under pressure. ICON helps families understand that crying is a normal part of infant development and encourages them to seek support when they need it.
Why ICON Week Matters
ICON Week provides an opportunity to raise awareness, share resources and support families during the early months of parenthood. The campaign encourages organisations, professionals and communities to promote consistent, evidence-based information about infant crying, ensuring parents and carers know where to turn for support.
The week also highlights the importance of partnership working, helping agencies work together to deliver a clear and consistent message that protects babies and supports families.
Join the ICON Week Webinars
As part of ICON Week 2026, a series of free webinars will be held throughout the week, exploring different aspects of the ICON programme and sharing learning from professionals, families and partner organisations. Webinar recordings will also be available for those unable to attend live.
- Monday 10am: ICON Week Launch, Join Webinar
- Tuesday 10am: Ripples that don’t stop: A survivor’s uncle describes the impact of AHT on the whole family. Join Webinar
- Wednesday 10am: ICON rollout in Wales, Join Webinar
- Thursday 4pm: ICONIC DADS – how Dad Matters, powered by Home-Start, supports dads to access understand ICON, Join Webinar
- Friday 10am: Exploring the psychology behind finding your calm and coping with crying, Join Webinar
Find Out More
Throughout the week, we encourage practitioners, organisations, parents and carers to learn more about the ICON programme and help share these important messages within their networks.
Together, we can help ensure that every parent and carer hears the message:
Babies cry. You can cope. Never, ever shake a baby.