Infant Mental Health

What is Infant Mental Health (IMH)?

Infant Mental Health focuses on the social, emotional, and cognitive well-being of children from birth to three years old. It’s about ensuring that infants and young children grow up in a nurturing environment that supports their development and helps them form secure relationships with caregivers.

Why is Infant Mental Health Important?

• Early Relationships Matter: The first three years of life are critical for brain development. Positive relationships during this time lay the foundation for emotional regulation, social skills, and lifelong mental health.

• Reducing Risk Factors: Addressing emotional and relational challenges early helps prevent long-term mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and behavioral disorders.

• Healthy Infants, Strong Families: A strong focus on infant mental health helps strengthen the parent-child bond, leading to healthier family dynamics and better outcomes for children.

Who Can Help Support Infant Mental Health?

1. Parents & Caregivers

• Provide nurturing, responsive care to build strong emotional bonds.

• Be attuned to your baby’s needs and emotions.

• Seek out resources and support if you notice any concerns in your child’s emotional or social development.

2. Family Members

• Offer support to parents, especially during stressful times, by providing assistance and encouraging healthy parent-child interactions.

• Be positive role models and help create a supportive, loving environment.

3. Community Members

• Engage in creating a supportive community for families by participating in local programs and events that promote child well-being.

• Advocate for family-friendly policies in your community to ensure all families have access to needed resources.

4. Early Childhood Educators

• Foster emotional growth and resilience by creating a safe, nurturing classroom environment.

• Be aware of early signs of emotional or developmental challenges and connect families with resources when needed.

5. Healthcare Providers (Pediatricians, Nurses, OB/GYNs)

• Regularly assess infant emotional and relational health during check-ups.

• Provide parents with guidance and referrals to early intervention services and mental health professionals if needed.

6. Social Workers and Therapists

• Offer counseling and support for families experiencing emotional or relational challenges.

• Work with infants and caregivers to strengthen bonds and promote healthy development through evidence-based therapies.

7. Infant Mental Health Specialists

• Provide specialized interventions and support to parents and infants who are at risk for emotional or relational difficulties.

• Offer reflective supervision and guidance to other professionals working with families.

8. Policy Makers

• Advocate for funding and policies that ensure access to infant mental health services and early intervention programs.

• Support legislation that promotes family leave, parental mental health services, and child development programs.

9. Early Education and Child Care Providers

• Offer a nurturing, emotionally supportive environment for infants and toddlers in your care.

• Work with parents to ensure consistency in caregiving and developmental support.

10. Home Visitors

• Provide in-home support and guidance for families, helping to foster strong parent-child relationships and identify early concerns.

• Offer education on infant mental health and parenting strategies.

11. Nonprofit Organizations & Advocacy Groups

• Raise awareness about the importance of infant mental health and advocate for systemic changes.

• Offer resources, training, and support to families and professionals.

12. Community Leaders

• Create family-friendly environments by supporting local initiatives and programs that focus on infant and early childhood mental health.

• Encourage community conversations about the importance of early mental health interventions.

13. Employers

• Promote family-friendly work policies, including paid family leave, flexible work schedules, and access to mental health support for employees with young children.

• Encourage a workplace culture that supports the well-being of employees and their families.

All play a key role in supporting infant mental health by providing guidance, support, and interventions that promote healthy development.

Learn More About Infant Mental Health

Visit mi-aimh.org for resources, training, and more information on how you can help promote healthy early relationships.