In the state of Florida, Infant Mental Health refers to how well a child develops socially and emotionally, in relationships with their caregivers, environment and culture, from birth to age 5. This includes a child’s developing capacity “to experience, regulate, and express emotions; to form close relationships; and to explore the environment and learn.”* This is the most critical period in child development. An infant, toddler and young child’s mental health is as important as their physical health because mental health builds the foundation for growth and maturity of the brain and body, and for social and emotional development. This foundation will affect the child’s mental and physical health throughout their lifetime.

Mental health is formed in our earliest days, even before birth, and the bond between infants and their primary caregivers has the greatest influence on infant development, but there are others. Factors that affect an infant’s mental health prior to birth include the mother’s physical and mental health during pregnancy, use of alcohol or other intoxicants during pregnancy, exposure during pregnancy to toxins such as lead, mercury or organophosphates, and physical or emotional trauma experienced by the mother during her pregnancy.

Factors that Influence Infant Mental Health following birth include parental responses to the child’s emotions, post-partum depression, post-partum anxiety, post-partum illness, extended periods of separation or stress, adoption, socialization to promote emotional regulation, and social development milestones in the first three years.

The key to preventing and treating mental health problems of very young children and their families is to take an approach informed by infant mental health principles and practices. Throughout our community in West Palm Beach and Palm Beach County, there is a strong demand for expertise in Infant Mental Health. As the need for quality therapy services becomes more apparent, we are pleased to be one of only a few providers in Palm Beach County that are qualified to work with this population.

*The Center on the Social Emotional Foundations for Early Learning. Infant Mental Health and Early Care and Education Providers.