Infant and early childhood mental health (IECMH) is a child’s ability to:
Babies are not just observers but active participants in their own development. Once we realize that babies and toddlers have the potential for a vibrant emotional life, we can address other critical issues concerning them.
Research shows that more than 10% of young children in the United States face mental health challenges, like post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety.
Some young children and families face risks to their well-being, and in certain cases, mental health or developmental disorders can emerge even in the earliest months and years of life. The mental health and well-being of parents and caregivers play a vital role in shaping the well-being of infants and young children. By identifying, addressing, and supporting challenges early, we can better nurture each child’s unique potential for growth and development.
Our mission is to help families build strong foundations and support them during challenges so babies and toddlers have the foundation for lifelong mental and emotional well-being.
Source: Think Babies. (2022). Infant and early childhood mental health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2022, June 3). Data and statistics on children’s mental health.
Every health care and education policy matter that we advocate for and support is linked to baby and toddler mental health. As part of our initiatives aimed at supporting infant mental health, we:
By promoting the social and emotional health of infants and young children, we have the potential to positively impact the trajectory of a child’s life.
To help professionals, policymakers, advocates and families better understand infant and early childhood mental health, we’ve created IECMH Guiding Principles.
Here are more resources we offer:
Yes. Babies and toddlers can experience anxiety, stress, and fear, even if they cannot describe those feelings in words. Signs may include excessive clinginess, sleep problems, irritability, trouble separating from caregivers or strong reactions to changes in routine. Early relationships and responsive caregiving help children feel safe and supported as they learn to manage emotions.
A baby’s mental health is shaped by relationships, daily experiences, and their environment. Responsive caregiving, stable routines, nutrition, sleep, and safe relationships all support healthy emotional development. Stressors like caregiver depression, trauma, family instability, poverty or chronic stress can affect a child’s developing brain and emotional well-being.
Mental health development begins even before birth and is shaped by their experiences and the mental health of their caregivers. From the earliest days, babies are learning whether the world feels safe, predictable, and nurturing through interactions with caregivers. These early experiences help build the foundation for emotional regulation, relationships, learning, and resilience later in life.
Parents should consider seeking support if a baby or toddler shows ongoing changes in behavior, struggles to connect with caregivers, stops using skills they previously had, experiences intense emotional reactions, or has feeding, sleep, or developmental concerns that interfere with daily life. Early support can make a meaningful difference for both children and families. A pediatrician or developmental specialist can help guide next steps.
Attend a training, support our work by donating or become an advocate for policies that prioritize infant and early childhood mental health.
