/Our services (A to Z)/Infant mental health (IMH)

Infant mental health (IMH)

We support the important relationships that babies, toddlers, and young children have with the people who care for them, so they can have the best possible start in life. We help families and the people who work with them from ‘conception to reception’ through pregnancy and the early years, until children start school at age five.

Toddler with parent and guardian playing with Healthcare Professional

What is infant mental health?

The words infant mental health can sound confusing. Infant mental health refers to how babies and children feel and how they learn to deal with their feelings.

When babies and children are comforted and cared for, they feel safe to explore their world, to play and to learn. When parents understand their babies’ and children’s signals and respond, they start to learn how to manage their feelings and build strong relationships. Babies and children who have safe and loving relationships are more able to enjoy the world around them. It helps them grow up happy and healthy!

Who is the infant mental health service for?

From pregnancy through to the child’s early life to the age of five.
Families who are registered with a GP in Leeds

Who are the Infant Mental Health team?

We are a small team who work across the city of Leeds.
We are all health professionals who have experience and training in helping parents, and carers to support their babies and toddlers with their feelings and relationship.