Infant Mental Health is the optimal social, emotional, and cognitive well-being of children ages 0 to 3, developed by secure and stable relationships with nurturing caregivers.
The infographic, 3 Reasons Good Infant Mental Health Matters, from the PA Alliance for the Advancement of Infant Mental Health provides information on how brain architecture, body & health, and behaviors & relationships can impact the mental health of infants.
3 Reasons Why Good Infant Mental Health Matters
Brain Architecture: We have a shared stake to make sure babies develop sturdy brain architecture, because this foundation supports a lifetime of learning and productive participation in society. A reliable caregiver who is responsive to a baby’s needs is the base for secure attachment, which allows an infant to explore and learn.
Body & Health: Toxic stress from broken caregiver infant relationships can push a baby’s stress hormones into overdrive. When constantly present, these hormones disrupt brain and physical development. And babies can’t learn if their brains and bodies are working against them. The antidote to toxic stress? Affection and protection by a nurturing caregiver.
Behavior & Relationships: Secure attachment is a fundamental building block of social function. Children need relationships with sensitive caregivers to self regulate, get along with others, solve problems, and be productive — the basis for civic and economic prosperity.
Infant Mental Health is the optimal social, emotional, and cognitive well-being of children ages 0 to 3, developed by secure and stable relationships with nurturing caregivers.
PA-AIMH Pennsylvania Association for Infant Mental Health www.pa-aimh.org.
PA-AIMH is a member of the Alliance for the Advancement of Infant Mental Health www.allianceaimh.org