Guidance for the emotional health and wellbeing of babies and young children

Date: 10th July 2026
Category:

---

The British Psychological Society (BPS) has published comprehensive new guidance on supporting the emotional health and wellbeing of babies and young children, covering the period from pregnancy to age five.

It emphasises that the earliest relationships, particularly with parents and caregivers, are the foundation for healthy development, shaping how children learn, communicate and cope with stress.

The guidance calls for consistent, relationship‑based support across maternity, health visiting, early education and family services. It highlights the need for trauma‑informed practice, better recognition of parental mental‑health needs, and stronger collaboration between professionals to ensure families receive timely, joined‑up help.

BPS also makes clear that babies and young children are active rights‑holders, and that their emotional wellbeing must be prioritised in policy and practice. By embedding psychological understanding into early‑years services, the guidance aims to help every child build the secure foundations they need to thrive.

Access the Guidance for the emotional health and wellbeing of babies and young children from pregnancy to age five