Infant Mental Health Week is an important reminder of the profound impact early experiences have on a baby's emotional and psychological wellbeing.
At Early Years Wales, we're committed to championing the voices of babies by creating nurturing environments where their needs are heard, understood, and acted upon—even before they can speak for themselves.
One of the keyways we're doing this is through our Active Baby at Home six-week programme. Designed to support both physical and mental wellbeing, this programme is a pathway to deeper connection, understanding, and early intervention.
These movement-based sessions offer opportunities for serve and return interactions, laying the foundation for healthy brain development and secure attachments between babies and their caregivers.
We are proud to bring this programme into communities that often experience the highest levels of deprivation and social isolation. In these areas, the need for community is real. That's why we prioritise accessibility, trust, and responsiveness when developing and delivering our courses. Our aim is to ensure every parent feels welcome, supported, and empowered from the moment they walk through the door.
Creating baby-friendly spaces is central to our approach. These environments are carefully designed to support new parents in building their confidence while allowing babies to explore, move, and connect with their bodies in ways that are natural and joyful. By modelling baby-centred practice, we ensure that babies are not just present, but seen, heard, and deeply considered.
We encourage parents to reflect on their own early movement experiences and how these might shape their responses to their baby's needs. This gentle self-awareness, combined with practical strategies for interaction through movement and play, creates a strong foundation for mental wellbeing—both for babies and their caregivers.
A unique aspect of our work is how we gather and present feedback. We use "I statements" from the perspective of the baby, helping parents and practitioners alike to pause and reflect.
These powerful perspectives help adults to better understand a baby's world—and remind us all that babies are constantly communicating, even in silence.
During Infant Mental Health Week, and every week, Early Years Wales is proud to stand alongside families, communities, and professionals in recognising and supporting the emotional lives of babies. Because every baby has a voice—and it's our job to listen.
Every moment with your baby is an opportunity to connect.
Our Play Move Thrive app is filled with simple, playful ideas to help you support your baby's wellbeing—anytime, anywhere. From movement games to reflective reads, it's your go-to companion for everyday parenting.
Discover what's available here: www.playmovethrive.wales