BY: Melanie Morones, LMFT, ATR, ECMHS
When we think about mental health, we often picture adults—or maybe teens—seeking support for stress, anxiety, or depression. But what if I told you that mental health actually begins in infancy?
It might be surprising to think of a baby having mental health, but it’s true. Babies and young children are constantly learning how to feel safe, understood, and connected. Their experiences in the first months and years of life shape the way they see themselves and the world around them—laying the foundation for emotional well-being for the rest of their lives.
In infant and early childhood mental health, we like to say:
“Brains are built, not born.”
And just like a house needs a strong foundation, children need emotionally safe relationships to build healthy brains.
Why Do Feelings Matter So Early?
Babies can’t tell us what they’re feeling with words—but they speak loud and clear through cries, coos, body tension, sleep changes, and behavior. A baby who turns away when overstimulated, a toddler who melts down after a transition—these aren’t “bad behaviors,” they’re big feelings in little bodies and the only way we learn to manage big feelings is through practice experiencing them.
When adults respond with warmth and patience (even when it’s hard!), they’re creating the space children need to learn how to handle emotions. That back-and-forth—cry, comfort, calm—isn’t just soothing in the moment. It’s literally shaping the brain to expect that the world is a safe place and that relationships can help us through hard things.
So… What Is Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health?
IECMH is not about diagnosing babies or labeling toddlers. It’s about:
- Helping children feel seen and safe
- Supporting strong relationships with parents, caregivers, and teachers
- Preventing problems before they start
- Making sure that adults have the tools and support they need, too
We all have mental health, from day one. Supporting early mental health doesn’t mean bubble baths and yoga mats (though those help, too)—it means showing up, staying curious, and responding to children with compassion, even when they’re at their most dysregulated.
What You Can Do
Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, childcare provider, or community member, here’s how you can support early mental health:
- Notice the feelings beneath the behavior
“He’s not being bad, he’s having a hard time.” - Offer connection before correction
Calm brains learn better than upset ones. - Get curious around the expectations you hold for little ones and for yourself!
Sometimes our own expectations make things feel even harder than they are.
- Take care of yourself, too
Adults who feel supported are more able to offer support to little ones. - Ask for help when you need it
Find your village! IECMH professionals are out there, ready to support families and educators alike.
One Last Thought
Children don’t need perfect caregivers—they need present ones. They need us to notice, to wonder, to reflect. Mental Health Awareness Month is a perfect time to remember that mental health isn’t just something we fix later—it’s something we nurture from the beginning. Because even the tiniest humans can have big feelings—and even bigger potential.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Melanie Morones, LMFT/ATR/ECMHS (she/they) is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Senior Program Director at the YMCA of San Diego County. She leads a team supporting early childhood mental health and teaches at Loyola Marymount University. Passionate about equity and healing, she also co-founded the Birth of Brilliance Conference to uplift culturally responsive care.
About YMCA Mental & Behavioral Health Services
At the Y, we pride ourselves on our holistic approach to mental and behavioral health. With over 50 years of experience, we’re deeply committed to addressing the mental health needs of our community, particularly among children and youth. Our approach is rooted in evidence-based practices, ensuring that our interventions are effective and relevant. We understand that mental health is diverse and personal, which is why we offer a wide range of specialized programs and therapeutic supports tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual and family. Our comprehensive services include counseling, parent and caregiver support, workplace wellness initiatives, and programs that promote positive youth development. Through these offerings, we aim to build protective factors, reduce stress, and promote well-being for all. Learn more at www.ymcasd.org/mentalhealth.
LOOKING FOR MORE?
Here are additional articles and resources written by our YMCA mental health team.
ACTIVITY: Managing Our Emotions
Five Tips: Understanding Your Teen and Improving Your Relationship
Let’s Talk about Compassion Fatigue
The Power of Positive Self-Affirmations
Raising Kids and Teens – a Manual-ish!
