Each October, we dedicate a week to Infection Prevention to highlight how we can all work together to keep the most vulnerable babies safe from infection.
This annual initiative serves to empower parents and carers to trust their instincts and to ensure every baby has the best start in life.
Why Infection Prevention in Babies is Crucial
Infections that might be considered ‘mild’ in older children and adults can be life-threatening for babies because they have immature immune systems.
A baby’s immune system simply hasn’t had the chance to develop the necessary defences against common bacteria, viruses, and other germs they encounter as they grow.
This heightened vulnerability in their first weeks and months means that preventative action is paramount. Taking simple, straightforward steps can make a huge difference in protecting your baby from serious illness.
Infection Prevention Week 2025: ‘Never a Nuisance’
The 2025 Infection Prevention Week will run from 19–25 October, and this year’s theme is ‘never a nuisance’.
It is a core message that no parent should hesitate to speak up if they are worried about their baby’s health.
Too often, families worry about being a “bother” or “overreacting” by taking up valuable time from health professionals. This Infection Prevention Week, we are saying it loud and clear: you are never a nuisance.
Trust Your Instincts
As a parent or carer, you know your baby better than anyone else. Your 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 is your first concern or your fifth. By speaking up when something doesn’t feel right, you are prioritising your baby’s health, and that is never a nuisance.
Simple Steps: Following the THANKS Guidance
Keeping babies safe from infection is simple, and everyone can do their part. The THANKS guidance offers an easy-to-remember framework for all friends and family visiting a new baby: Think HandS And No Kisses.
- Think HandS (Wash Your Hands): Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching or holding a baby. Hand hygiene is one of the single most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs.
- And No KisseS (No Kisses): People from outside the home should not kiss a new baby when they visit. Kissing can easily transfer viruses and bacteria that are harmless to an adult but dangerous to a baby.
- Don’t Visit if Ill: If you are ill or have been ill recently—even with a cold, active cold sore, or a stomach bug—stay away until you are fully recovered. Ask all visitors to do the same to protect your baby.
What to Look Out For: Signs of Infection
It can be difficult to tell when a baby has an infection because the signs and symptoms can be vague and vary greatly. However, because early diagnosis is vital, you must trust your instincts.
If you feel that something is not right, contact your midwife, health visitor, GP, or NHS 111 immediately. If you are very worried, do not hesitate to go to an emergency department.
Frequently asked questions
Is my baby’s sickness a result of Medical Negligence?
Medical negligence related to newborn infections can occur when a healthcare provider’s error leads to a baby contracting a preventable or improperly treated infection, resulting in injury or death.
Common examples of negligence include:
- Failure to diagnose or treat maternal infections, such as not identifying or managing an infection that is then transmitted to the baby.
- Group B Strep (GBS) negligence, which may involve failing to give preventative antibiotics to the mother or failing to recognise signs of GBS infection in the newborn.
- Poor hygiene and infection control in a hospital setting that exposes the baby to harmful bacteria.
- Delayed or incorrect diagnosis and treatment of the baby’s infection, such as administering the wrong antibiotic.
If you suspect negligence, it is important to gather information, documenting symptoms, dates, and care details. It is important to seek legal advice promptly to understand your options, as there are time limits for bringing a claim.
Prioritise your children
By prioritising simple hygiene, encouraging all those around your baby to follow the THANKS guidance, and having the confidence to speak up immediately if you are concerned, you are taking the most powerful steps to keep your baby safe. Remember: you’re never a nuisance when it comes to your baby’s health.
Why should you use Oakwood Solicitors to pursue a medical negligence claim for my child?
We have a dedicated team of solicitors and paralegals who have many years’ experience between them in running cases of this nature. They are highly trained to deal with all aspects of clinical and medical negligence.
Oakwood Solicitors Ltd wishes to ensure that clients are not overwhelmed by legal jargon or medical terms that they don’t understand and aims to allow the claims procedure to be as transparent as possible.
Further information:
Oakwood Solicitors: Child Birthing Injuries.
Infection Prevention Week: The Lullaby Trust.
WHAT TO DO NEXT:
If you believe your child has suffered an infection as a result of medical negligence, get in touch today for a no-obligation consultation.
Choose one of the methods on the right-hand side of this page, or call us on 0113 323 2784 to find out how we can help you with your enquiry.
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Carol Cook joined Oakwood Solicitors in May 2017 to lead the Medical Negligence Department.
Carol handles a wide range of clinical, cosmetic and dental negligence claims and has years of experi…
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