Infant Mental Health

Infant Mental Health Starts with Relationships

The earliest relationships in a child's life shape how they learn, grow, communicate, and connect with others. Infant mental health focuses on the social-emotional development of children from birth through age five and the nurturing relationships that help them thrive.

✔ Research-Informed Guidance
✔ Practical Tools & Resources
✔ Social-Emotional Development Expertise
✔ Trusted Statewide Training & Support

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Infant lying on a bed beside a caregiver, with both facing one another during a close interaction. The infant is reaching forward while resting on white bedding, and the caregiver is positioned alongside the infant in a bright indoor setting.

What Is Infant Mental Health?

Infant mental health is the development of a child’s social-emotional well-being and the relationships that shape it—from birth through age five.

Built through relationships with caregivers
Shapes emotional regulation and behavior
Lays the foundation for lifelong well-being

Early Years Shape Brain Development and Emotional Health

Supports:

Healthy Relationships

Self-Confidence
and
Self-Regulation

Success in
School and Life

Relationships Are the Foundation

Loving, consistent relationships provide a “secure base” for children to explore and learn.

Caregiver lying on the floor while supporting an infant during a play activity. The infant, dressed in a white long-sleeve outfit, is positioned above the caregiver and looking toward the camera. The scene takes place in a home setting with a sofa visible in the background, highlighting positive parent-child interaction and early development.

Builds trust and emotional security.

Encourages exploration and confidence.

Models how to form healthy relationships.

Recognizing and Supporting Infant Mental Health

Limited emotional response

Avoids touch or interaction

Difficult to soothe

Extremely fearful

Difficulty playing with others

Frequent aggression or sadness

Withdrawal or extreme activity

Loss of developmental skills

Talk with a colleague or supervisor

Talk with the child's family

Consider cultural and social context

Seek additional information or professional support

Build nurturing relationships

Create predictable routines

Respond to children's cues

Spend unhurried time together

Model healthy emotional behavior