Supporting the Earliest Minds: Why Infant Mental Health Awareness Week Matters

Infant Mental Health Awareness Week (June 9–15, 2025) is a timely reminder of something early childhood educators know deep in their hearts — that the emotional wellbeing of babies and toddlers is the foundation of everything that follows. This year’s theme, “Supporting Families, Caring for Babies,” highlights the role of families in nurturing mental health during the most critical window of human development and the importance of the village that surrounds and supports them.

As someone who started my career as an early childhood educator, I’ve seen firsthand just how powerful those early relationships are. I remember the quiet moments — rocking a baby to sleep, soothing a toddler through a rough drop-off, or offering a kind word to an overwhelmed parent. These moments aren’t just part of the job — they’re the heart of it.

What Is Infant Mental Health?
Infant mental health is about so much more than milestones. It’s babies’ and toddlers’ emotional and social wellbeing — their ability to form close relationships, express their feelings, and feel safe enough to explore the world around them.
These capacities don’t develop on their own. They’re built through consistent, nurturing relationships—primarily within the family but also through trusted carers and educators. This year’s theme is a powerful reminder that if we want to support babies, we must support the families raising them.

Why It Matters in Early Learning
Early learning services are often an extension of a baby’s secure base. Educators become part of their circle of safety, noticing how they respond to comfort, change, and connection. They also become a touchpoint for families navigating the everyday joys and challenges of parenting.

Educators who tune into infant mental health are better able to:
Build strong, trusting bonds with babies and toddlers
Work gently and respectfully with families, even in moments of stress
Recognise early signs of emotional or developmental concerns
Create calm, predictable environments that reinforce security and connection

What This Means for Recruitment
At Entrée Early Years, we’re not just looking for qualifications—we’re looking for heart. As a senior recruitment consultant, I speak with directors and educators passionate about building teams that care for children and support the whole family. Supervising is no longer enough—we need professionals who understand how critical those first few years are and approach each child and family with empathy, respect, and a willingness to partner.

We agree that family-centred practice and infant mental health awareness are increasingly recognised as essential professional skills.

Want to Learn More?
If you’re an educator, director, or service leader who wants to deepen your understanding of infant mental health, these professional development resources are a great place to start:

• Australian Association for Infant Mental Health (AAIMH) – The national voice for infant mental health, with resources and training for professionals.
• Be You Early Learning supports mental health in early childhood settings and provides tools for engaging families and communities.
• Emerging Minds – Offers free training in infant and child mental health, trauma-informed practice, and working with parents.
• Raising Children Network – Infant Mental Health – Evidence-based information tailored to parents and educators.
• Child Australia Professional Development – Training and resources for early years educators focusing on relationships and wellbeing.

Final Thoughts
Infant Mental Health Awareness Week is a chance to pause and reflect on the importance of relationships in the early years — not just with children, but with families.

When we wrap around families with empathy and support, we help build the safest, strongest foundation for babies to grow into emotionally healthy, resilient people.

At Entrée Early Years, we’re proud to work alongside early childhood professionals who understand this deeply, because they live it daily. If you’re one of them, we’d love to hear your story and help you find a centre that shares your values.

Let’s keep supporting the earliest minds by supporting the hearts that care for them.