Stage 1: Understanding Newborns

What Erikson Called This Stage

While formal therapy isn’t typically part of life at this stage, the experiences children have in infancy are absolutely foundational for lifelong mental wellness. How caregivers respond to a baby’s needs shapes their earliest sense of safety, security, and confidence in the world.

Erikson defined this stage as Trust vs. Mistrust. He described it as the period when infants develop either a sense of trust—believing that the world is safe and that their needs will be met—or mistrust, a sense that the world is unreliable or unpredictable. Successfully navigating this stage provides the foundation for the psychosocial strength of hope, which supports children as they grow and face future challenges.

From birth to about 18 months, infants are learning that when their needs—for food, comfort, attention, and love—are consistently met, they can trust. When needs are ignored or inconsistently met, infants may develop mistrust, feeling uncertain about whether people and their environment can be counted on.

Why It Matters for Mental Health

Trust is the cornerstone of healthy emotional development. Infants who develop trust are more likely to:

• Feel secure exploring their environment as toddlers

• Form healthy relationships later in life

• Manage stress and regulate emotions more effectively

Mistrust doesn’t mean a child is “doomed”—but repeated unmet needs can make it harder to feel safe and confident, and can influence how they respond to challenges or relationships as they grow.

By attending to infants needs at this stage, caregivers lay the foundation for confidence, resilience, and emotional well-being throughout life. Children who feel safe and secure are more likely to explore, learn, and engage positively with others—skills that will support them through every stage of development.

In short: Stage 1 is the first step toward teaching children that they are seen, cared for, and capable of navigating the world.