Donald Winicott, notable Pediatrician and Developmental Psychologist said it best, “There is no such thing as a baby…there is a baby and someone.” The essence of this influential statement is the recognition that the infant survives and thrives in relationship with the adults in their world. Neuroscience tells us the good news is that babies are born with incredible capacities to be in relationships and are ready to learn on day one. Babies’ brains are hard-wired for attachment relationships with adults. Multiple secure relationships in a child’s life serve as protective factors which foster well-being and resilience. It is from these tenets that the field of Infant Mental Health was born. 

What is Infant Mental Health?

The national organization Zero to Three defines infant mental health as “the developing capacity of the child from birth to 5 years of age to form close and secure adult and peer relationships; experience, manage, and express a full range of emotions; and explore the environment and learn—all in the context of family, community, and culture.” ( https://www.zerotothree.org)

Who plays a role in promoting and supporting infant and early childhood mental health?

Anyone who works with and on behalf of infants, toddlers and their families is considered to be part of the field of Infant Mental Health. This includes professionals who work in a variety of settings, including but not limited to: early care and education teachers, pediatricians, parent-child home visitors, early interventionists, nurses, mental health clinicians, policy-makers, public health workers, child advocates, academic researchers and so many more.