Wythnos Atal Heintiau
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!
Infection Prevention Week 2025 is moments away
What is Infection Prevention Week?
Each year, we discuss why infection prevention is so important in babies, and what signs and symptoms to look out for. We will also show how we can all work together to keep babies safe from infection. Keep your eyes peeled for Wythnos Atal Heintiau this year on 19-25 October. Ultimately, with your help, Infection Prevention Week can save lives.
Why is infection prevention in babies so 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.
The 2025 theme: Never a nuisance
The theme for Infection Prevention Week 2025 is ‘never a nuisance’. No parent should hesitate to speak up if they’re worried about their baby. But too often, families worry about being a bother. This Infection Prevention Week, we’re saying it loud and clear; you’re never a nuisance.
Speak up when something doesn’t feel right and trust your instincts, as no one knows your baby better than you do.
We’re encouraging you to seek help if you’re worried.
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It's always better to get your baby checked than to wait. The consequences of not getting your baby checked are too much to worry about bothering people. If you’re worried, it’s for a reason, and any health professional would rather you call than sit at home worried.
Laura -
You might think it’s probably nothing, and usually it is, but if you have that niggling feeling that something might be wrong, it’s so much easier to just go and get it checked. I’ve been really surprised in the past about how quickly we’ve managed to get Louis seen by a GP. I know sometimes there are long waits, but not always. Either way, get your baby checked for peace of mind.
Annie, mum -
It’s just important to take the necessary precautions and see a doctor if something is wrong.
Lan
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.
- 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.
- If you’re a 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.
- It can be as simple as being a good friend. If you know a parent or carer who is worried about their baby, encourage them to request another check and raise their concerns.
- 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.
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Our work with the Kit Tarka Foundation
The Lullaby Trust took on the work of the Kit Tarka Foundation in 2023. The Kit Tarka Foundation’s work, in memory of Kit, has guided the important infection prevention resources we can offer today.
Posters to download
Thank you to The British Paediatric Allergy, Immunity and Infection Group (BPAIIG) for working with us on our infection prevention resources.
Learn more
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