The value of parent-infant relationships in the UKCherri Blissett, James Turner, and Alex RoundSecure parent–infant relationships underpin a baby’s emotional regulation, resilience, and healthy development, bringing lifelong benefits. Parent–infant teams are specialised services that provide intensive, relationship-focused support for parents and babies, helping babies be safer, happier and healthier. Why babies’ first relationships matter finds that this specialised early support reduces demand for statutory services, improves child and parent wellbeing, and delivers strong social and economic returns. Investment in early relationships and infant mental health is both an effective preventative strategy and a robust economic decision. The report estimates the value of specialised support to each child across their whole lifetime of over £40,000 per child.

Source: The Guardian February 09, 2026 00:04 UTC