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

It’s Infection Prevention Week! 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!), and talking about the signs and symptoms to look out for. Read on to learn what this year’s theme will focus on.

Baby is laying down smiling and giggling, grasping their hands together. They have light skin and wear a white babygrow.

2025's theme is '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 because:

  • As parents and carers, we can hesitate to ask for help, fearing we’re overreacting or taking up NHS time. But we know that parents’ gut instincts are strong, and reaching out early can make all the difference if your baby has an infection.
  • Health professionals want to hear from you, whether it’s your first concern or your fifth. You’re never a nuisance when it comes to your baby’s health.

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.

How you can help

  1. Saving lives starts with having the knowledge. Read our infection and illness webpages to make yourself familiar with the THANKS guidance.
  2. Talk about the ベビーチェック. 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. 
  3. 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.
  4. 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. 
  5. 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. 
  6. 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 これ. 

Other campaigns

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

ベビーロス啓発週間

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.

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

より安全な睡眠週間

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.