Week to promote emotional development in infants
A programme of events aimed at supporting infants’ emotional and social development will kick off in Cork this Monday.
Running from 9-15 June, Infant Mental Health Awareness Week 2025 invites babies, toddlers, carers, parents, and expecting parents to a series of free events in libraries across Cork.
Supported by HSE South West, the week will feature free talks, playgroups, and storytelling sessions, all aimed at highlighting the power of books, play, and shared moments in nurturing young minds.
Laura Crowley, a parent from Charleville said: “It’s wonderful to see events like these recognising the importance of infant mental health. As a parent, knowing there are spaces where we can connect, learn, and support our little ones’ development is incredibly reassuring.”
Libraries across Cork will play a key role in this year’s celebration, hosting story times for babies and toddlers which focus on how reading and play helps babies to grow, learn, and build strong connections with parents.
Speaking in the lead-up to Infant Mental Health Awareness Week 2025, Rachel Knox, Child Health Programme Development Officer, HSE South West, said that every interaction can help shape a child’s future health and happiness.
She said: “A baby’s brain grows quickly in the first three years. By three months old, babies can recognise their parents’ emotions. By age three, their brain is 80% of its adult size.
“Relationships in these early years set the groundwork for a baby’s ability to regulate emotions, form secure relationships, and explore their environment. Strong parent-infant connections shape emotional resilience,” she added.
Ella Lovett, Principal Clinical Psychologist (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service), HSE South West said that babies and toddlers learn to build relationships, regulate their emotions, and explore their world based on the care and support they receive.
She said: “Infant mental health is about how babies develop socially and emotionally from birth to age three. Every experience shapes their future. This Infant Mental Health Awareness Week provides us with the opportunity to highlight the importance of supporting babies’ emotional wellbeing.”
Emer O’Brien, Cork County Librarian added: “Libraries are a gateway to learning and connection, starting from the very first days of life. Through storytelling and shared reading, babies and toddlers build essential emotional and social foundations. We are delighted to be part of Infant Mental Health Awareness Week 2025, highlighting the power of books, play, and shared moments in nurturing young minds.”
The full schedule of free events from 9-15 June at bit.ly/IMHWeek25.