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.
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.
Infection Prevention Week 2026 will run from 19 – 25 October. This year’s theme is ‘your baby, your boundaries’.
2026's theme is 'your baby, your boundaries;
Too many parents tell us they’ve felt awkward, embarrassed or even guilty for asking visitors to wash their hands or not to kiss their baby. This Infection Prevention Week, we’re reminding you that protecting your baby is never something you need to justify, and is always the right call. Your baby’s health comes before anyone else’s feelings.
Setting boundaries to protect your baby from infection, particularly in the first few weeks of life, is so important. There are ways to do this kindly and confidently – and we’re here to help.
We’re encouraging families to set boundaries because:
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To parents and carers, it’s simple: be confident to say no. Whether that’s to visitors, to people who want to cuddle your baby or to anyone feeling unwell. It’s your baby’s life. Trust your instincts and keep pushing if something doesn’t feel right.
Hayley, Violet's mum -
As soon as I saw the Baby Check app advertised, I downloaded it immediately! It was so useful, because when it came to signs of illness and infection, I didn’t know what on earth to look out for.
Izzy, Alo and Jovie's mum -
I remember how anxiety-inducing it was having people unexpectedly kiss Minh. It’s just important to take the necessary precautions and see a doctor if something is wrong.
Lan, Minh's mum -
I agree with the motto ‘never a nuisance’. Never feel like you’re a burden or that you’re making a fuss if you have a concern about your baby. It’s easier to check a baby and rule out anything serious, than to treat a baby that should’ve been seen earlier and has developed a more serious illness.
Annie, Louis' mum
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.
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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
How you can help
- Saving lives starts with having the knowledge. Read our infection and illness webpages to make yourself familiar with the THANKS guidance.
- Talk about the Baby Check app. Our Baby Check app asks parents and carers 17 simple questions, and the app will tell you whether you need to see a health professional about your baby’s symptoms or not.
- Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn or TikTok and share our content far and wide. This way, we can reach as many people as possible with our life-saving advice, together.
- Sign up to be a Lullaby GEM (Gives Every Month), to help us reach as many families as possible with our life-saving advice. You can be there for every family, for every baby, forever.
- Share our new advice on talking to health professionals. Many families tell us that reaching out for help, especially repeatedly, can feel daunting. This new webpage guides you through practical tips, phrases and reassurance to give families confidence.
- If you’re a health professional, download and display our infection prevention resources in your workplace. Spotting infection in babies poster, Baby Check app poster, THANKS poster. More resources here.
Infection prevention information
Know the symptoms of infections in babies, when to seek help and learn more about preventing infections in babies.
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Talking to health professionals
Many parents tell us they worry about being a nuisance or wasting NHS time. But you are never a nuisance when it comes to your baby’s health.
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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.
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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.
Other campaigns
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.