About the resource
Did you know that babies are born ready to connect with the trusted people around them especially their parents and caregivers?
Mental health begins from the very start, even before a baby can talk, crawl or smile.
In Early Childhood, we play a powerful role in supporting babies’ emotional wellbeing through the little things we do every day:
- the way we hold or look them
- the types of play opportunities we provide
- how we respond when they cry
The first 1,000 days of life is the time from conception to age 2 where brains grow faster than at any other time. During this time their brain is highly adaptable and responsive to environmental influences including nutrition. This early stage is a critical period for building strong relationships, supporting brain development, and laying the foundation for their future mental health and wellbeing.
This is why healthy, nurturing relationships with parents and caregivers are essential for a baby’s social and emotional development, which is often referred to as, infant and early childhood mental health. These relationships provide the security and support needed for a child to build emotional resilience, form connections, and confidently explore their world.
We’ve created a simple infographic with gentle, practical tips to support infant mental health in your service!