Sefton Council is supporting Infant Mental Health Awareness Week this week, helping to raise awareness of the importance of strong early relationships in giving babies the best possible start in life.

This year’s theme is Attunement, which focuses on the ability to tune in and connect with others on an emotional level. Attunement is important for everyone, but it is particularly vital for babies and their parents or carers.

Giving babies the best start

Attuned relationships help babies to feel safe, secure and loved. Through these early connections, babies learn how to regulate their emotions, which plays a crucial role in supporting positive infant mental health.

Strong relationships in the earliest years also support parental wellbeing, helping families to build secure and nurturing foundations that benefit children as they grow.

The power of early relationships

A child’s brain develops more in the first 1001 days of life than at any other time. During this period, the brain grows and adapts based on experiences and interactions with those around them. The most important people for babies and young children to interact with are the adults who care for them, and these relationships play a key role in shaping how children learn and understand the world.

Communication between parents, carers and their baby develops over time, with both learning from each other. Babies communicate through sounds, expressions and actions, while parents and carers learn how to interpret and respond to these cues. Although this can sometimes feel challenging, it is a normal and important part of the journey.

The power of love and connection

It’s common for parents and carers to worry about whether they are doing enough for their child. However, simply showing love and care is one of the most important things they can provide.

This consistent love helps to strengthen a child’s mental and physical health and creates secure foundations for future relationships. In many cases, parents are already supporting their child’s development in meaningful ways without even realising it.

Support available across Sefton

Sefton’s Family Hubs and Early Years services are here to support families at every stage, offering guidance, activities and services that promote positive parent-child relationships.

Sefton’s Family Hubs support the Best Start in Life initiative and provide dedicated spaces and programmes for families across the borough. Parents and carers can explore what’s available and view local timetables by visiting www.sefton.gov.uk/familyhubs.

Get involved

To find out more about Infant Mental Health Awareness Week and access a range of helpful resources for parents and professionals, visit the Parent-Infant Foundation website at https://parentinfantfoundation.org.uk/our-work/imhaw/.

The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood has also created a short video which explains ‘Attunement’ and why it matters in the early years. You can watch it below.