Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH)
Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health is about the social and emotional well-being of babies, toddlers, and young children—and the relationships that nurture them. It refers to a child’s ability to feel safe and secure, explore and learn from their world, form trusting and loving relationships with caregivers, and manage emotions in ways that are appropriate for their age and stage of development. In simple terms, a baby’s mental health is their capacity to love, trust, explore, and thrive. Mental health starts at birth—and even before. When we invest in pregnant families, babies, and young children, we build the foundation for a lifetime of learning, health, and resilience.
Did You Know?
Our mental health starts before birth.
Foundations
80% of brain growth happens by age 3. Babies can recognize their parents’ voices before they are born.
Strong relationships build strong brains.
Connection
Without support, the effects of early trauma can last a lifetime.
When families thrive, communities thrive.
Empowerment
Positive experiences and nurturing care build resilience that protects children from stress.
Supporting caregivers is supporting children.
Our Future
Every $1 invested in high-quality early childhood care saves up to $7 in future costs for health, education, and criminal justice.
- Relationships First – Babies grow in the context of relationships. Secure, nurturing bonds with caregivers are the foundation of trust, learning, and healthy growth and development.
- Prevention Matters – Supporting families early—ensuring they have what they need to be nurturing parents—has the most positive impact on a child’s life. Prevention is always more effective than intervention later on.
- Healing is Possible – After trauma, children and families can heal. Supportive relationships and proven therapies help recover and thrive.
- Community Counts – Every family brings unique strengths, traditions, and ways of caring for their children. Respecting and honoring these is essential.
- Supporting Caregivers Supports Children – Parents, caregivers, and professionals need support too. When adults are well, children do better.
- Reflection Makes Us Better – Taking time to pause, reflect, and process experiences helps caregivers and professionals stay grounded, avoid burnout, and respond with empathy and wisdom.
- For Families: Families with babies who receive early mental health support are more likely to thrive, avoid crisis, and build strong bonds.
- For Communities: Healthy babies grow into healthy children, students, and adults — creating stronger, safer, more resilient communities.
- For Florida’s Future: Investing in IECMH builds a stronger economy, reduces costly interventions later in life, and ensures every child has the chance to succeed.
FAIMH (Florida Association for Infant Mental Health) is the statewide leader advancing IECMH. We:
- Build Workforce Capacity – Training, endorsing, and supporting professionals who work with babies and families.
- Grow Awareness – Helping communities, families, and leaders understand that mental health begins at birth.
- Connect & Advocate – Bringing together professionals, parents, and policymakers to make IECMH a priority in Florida.
Want to support our mission? Donate generously.
Everyone has a role to play in supporting the mental health of Florida’s babies and young children. Here are a few simple ways to take action:
- Professionals: Join FAIMH to connect with a statewide community. Learn about what babies need to thrive and find support through FAIMH’s local chapters.
- Parents & Families: Share what you’ve learned here — tell others that mental health starts at birth. Link this page to your friends and family so more people understand.
- Funders & Donors: Partner with us to build a future where every child in Florida has the relationships and support they need.
- Media & Public: Share the story that babies’ mental health is Florida’s future. The more we shine a light on the importance of babies’ mental health, the stronger our communities become.
Everyone: Donate to FAIMH to expand our impact, grow awareness, and ensure every baby in Florida has the safe, nurturing relationships they need to thrive.