Infection Prevention Week

Graphic in a circle for infection prevention week. There are illustrated germs in the middle of the circle.
Baby is being checked over by a heath professional.

Why infection prevention in babies is important

Babies have immature immune systems. Even infections that are considered ‘mild’ in older children and adults can be life-threatening for babies.

One of the reasons that babies are more vulnerable to infections is that they have simply not been exposed to some common viruses. As they grow and get bigger, their immune systems will have had a chance to develop and will be more able to cope when they are exposed to bacteria, viruses, and other germs.

What we’re doing to prevent infections

Each year we host an Infection Prevention Week during October to show how we can all work together to keep babies safe from infection. We want to empower parents and carers to trust their instincts!

2025’s Infection Prevention Week will run from 19 – 25 October. We’ll be:

  • Raising awareness of the THANKS guidance (read below!)
  • Helping parents and carers explain their boundaries with well-meaning visitors.
  • Talking about the signs and symptoms to look out for, and when to visit a health professional.
  • Empowering parents and carers to trust their instincts, and what information to share with their health professional.
How to prevent infection in babies Learn about our free baby check app
Illustration from The Lullaby Trust depicting hands being washed, and an X next to a pair of lips. T H A N K S - meaning, Think Hands And No KisseS. Remember to wash your hands before touching a baby, and only kiss a new baby if you're their parent or carer. play video

Infection prevention animation

Keeping babies safe from infection is simple, and we can all do our bit. This animation explains how you can help to keep babies safe from infections by following the THANKS guidance: Think HandS and No KisseS.

  • Wash your hands: Always wash your hands before touching or holding a baby.
  • No kisses: People from outside the home should not kiss a new baby when they visit.
  • Don't visit if ill: Don't visit a new baby if you are ill or have been ill recently.
  • Laura and Sam are pictured outdoors. Laura is smiling with her hair in a bun, and Sam is strapped to her front, wearing a hat with teddy ears.

    Sam's story

    Our son, Sam, spent a week in intensive care recovering from an infection. It is a reminder about how vulnerable babies’ immune systems are during those early months. If it wasn’t for the awareness about infection from The Lullaby Trust, I don’t think I’d have taken his temperature. And you always worry about babies having high temperature too, so I didn’t even think about it being low.

    Laura and Matt
    Sam's story

    Infection prevention information

    Know the symptoms of infections in babies, when to seek help and learn more about preventing infections in babies.
    • Worried baby getting a vaccination.

      Infection and illness

      Babies have immature immune systems, so they're at an increased risk from infections. Here we explain the signs and symptoms to look out for, and how to prevent infections in babies.

      Read more
    • A close up of a woman washing her hands. She has soap suds on her hands and black nail polish, and the tap is off.

      Preventing infection

      Babies are more vulnerable to infections than older children, especially in their first few weeks. Here you will find the signs and symptoms to look out for that your baby might be unwell.

      Read more
    • An illustration of a hand holding a phone with the Baby Check app open by The Lullaby Trust. It is on a page saying 'temperature', with an illustration of a baby and a thermometer.

      Baby Check app

      Our Baby Check app gives you peace of mind, in your pocket. If your baby is under six months of age, you can use the Baby Check app to find out if they need to see a health professional.

      Read more
    • Spotting infections in babies poster

      Baby safety

      Spotting infections in babies poster

      A poster explaining the signs and symptoms of infections in babies

      Read more

      Other campaigns

      Graphic of a burning candle in a circle, paired with the Baby Loss Awareness Week ribbon in blue and pink.

      Baby Loss Awareness Week

      Baby Loss Awareness Week happens every year in October. It is an opportunity to raise awareness of baby loss and campaign for the provision of better bereavement care.

      Baby Loss Awareness Week
      Illustration of a baby sleeping on their back and smiling slightly. Surrounded by the words 'Safer Sleep week'

      Safer Sleep Week

      Safer Sleep Week is our national awareness campaign targeting anyone looking after a young baby. We raise awareness of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and life-saving safer sleep advice.

      Safer Sleep Week