28th May 2026
Infant Mental Health Awareness Week
8th– 14th June 2026
What is Infant Mental Health?
Infant Mental Health is the term often used to describe the ability of a child during the first three years of life to:
- form close relationships;
- recognise and express emotions
- explore and learn about their environment
The infant brain is developing rapidly during these early years and children develop, grow and thrive in nurturing environments. This critical development between 0-3 years also includes the antenatal period.
The theme for Infant Mental Health Awareness Week (IMHAW) 2026 is ‘Attunement’
What is Attunement?
Attunement is the ability to tune in and connect with others on an emotional level. It is important for everyone, but particularly for babies and their parents or carers. When adults are emotionally attuned to babies and young children they notice cues, validate children’s emotions and appropriately respond to them. Attunement helps babies to feel safe and loved. It helps babies learn to regulate their emotions, supporting good infant mental health.
Keep an eye on our social media pages for more information throughout the week!
What’s on?
Online Practitioners Event on Attunement- Keynote Speaker Mary Coughlin
Event details:
Date: Thursday, 11 June 2026
Time: 2:00pm – 4:30pm
Platform: Microsoft Teams (Webinar)
Advance booking is essential as places are limited. To reserve your place, please use the link below:
Further support information:
- Free access to Togetherness/ Solihull Approach antenatal course Getting Ready for Baby Use access code: NIFAMILIES
- Supporting infants, children and young people | Minding Your Head
- Evidence Based Parenting Programmes
For more information please contact:
Child Development Interventions Coordinator
Health Improvement Team