Mental health is most of the time associated with an adult issue. But to be precise mental health starts from the time a child a born. Babies come into the world with nothing in their mind, and the memories they make from childhood shapes their mental health. It is the duty of the parents to give them proper baby care and provide them with the support and love that they need during their growing years.

During these initial years, there are various simple things that caregivers and parents do for fostering their healthy development and growth, including their emotional and social well-being.

Things you can do to develop their mental health  

Good mental health is actually an important part of a child’s healthy development. It helps a baby or a toddler to develop properly, learn and interpret their emotions, adapt to change, build healthy relationships, and deal with the stress and challenges life is going to bring them. Here are a few things that you can try to make sure that your baby is developing a healthy mind.

Let them express their mind  

Encourage your baby to express their emotions. It could be through cooing, laughing, or crying. Let them know that it is good to express their emotions, and it will make them more comfortable with their feelings.

When they learn that it is okay to express themselves, they will develop a sense of self-esteem in them. This way, you will develop a healthy bond with your baby. Let them make those silly faces and babble, it is actually a part of it.

Create a routine  

Make a routine with your baby that will help them feel calm and secure. Follow the routine, and it will help them predict what they have to do now, they feel more in control this way. A routine will help in your baby's care routine as well, they will know when it is time to fall asleep and when it is time to play.

Make sure the routine you make helps in getting them proper sleep, nutrition, and stimulation. It will give your day a proper structure and help you in bonding with your child. So get creative and make a routine that suits you and your family.

Its playtime  

Playtime is required for your baby's proper development. This will help them learn about the world surrounding them and is an amazing way by which you can connect with your baby. This way, you are helping the child’s mental health when you are playing with them. Playtime will let them explore their mind and emotions, and they will also learn how to cope with their own emotions.

Playtime also helps in developing their social skills and teaches them how to interact with people. Keep some time aside every day, or make it a routine to play with your little one. It is important for their mental health and a way to spend some family time.

Communicate with them  

Communicate with them; it is never too early. Just talk to them about your day or just random stuff, read them a story, sing a lullaby, and talk about their surroundings. They cannot communicate back or give an appropriate reply, but trust me, they are soaking up everything you are saying.

Moreover, when you are talking to them, you are developing their language skills. They are going through developmental leaps, and this is the time you let them learn. But this will help you connect with them better. This makes them feel secure and loved, which is very important for their mental health. This is an essential part of baby care. So, communicate with the little munchkin, and someday you will find them reacting back to what you are saying.

Response to their needs  

It is important to make the baby feel that you are responsive to their need. This way, they will develop trust in you and be confident as well. Moreover, babies get stressed when their needs are not met, when they are not paid attention to, and ultimately that is bad for their brain development.

Babies are continuously learning about the world around them and learning how to interact. If they do not feel loved and safe, it becomes hard for them to develop some healthy coping mechanisms.

Bottom Line

If you notice that it is getting stressful and the difficult situations are somewhat affecting the relationship between you and your little one, it is time to seek help from the family, your partner, friends, and anybody you can trust and can help you with baby care. If nothing works, then you know it is time to consult a doctor and, if needed, take them to therapy if the doctor suggests.