On October 19, Healthi Kids hosted their first-ever Infant & Toddler Play Day at three locations across Rochester: Phyllis Wheatley Library, Sully Branch Library, and Lincoln Toy Library.

Around 30 children and their caregivers took part in fun, hands-on activities that encouraged healthy relationships and brain development. Caregivers were invited to get on the floor with their little ones to play, laugh, and bond, building stronger connections through these moments together.

“These early years are critical for building strong, secure relationships,” said early childhood policy director Stephanie David, JD, MPH, IMH-E®. “Learning ‘serve and return’ techniques through play helps foster mental health and lays the foundation for lifelong well-being.” 

Serve and return refers to the simple back-and-forth interactions between children and adults—like smiling when a baby smiles or responding to their babies. These interactions help build trust and communication skills while supporting healthy brain development.

The event was open to children ages 0-3, with caregivers learning ways to engage meaningfully with their little ones. Events like this highlight the importance of early childhood mental health and the impact caregivers can have in these formative years.

View pictures from the event.