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MARQUETTE -- They can't talk back yet, but parental communication and nurturing is key to a healthy baby. That's according to Melissa Copenhaver, a nurse who was at Peter White Public Library Thursday. She explained how early healthy relationships between caregivers and babies pave the way for a mentally-sound future.

"It helps with the brain development that we need in order to have that stable foundation for going into adulthood and dealing with the challenges that we face in adulthood. Being able to regulate our emotions, being able to know how to trust people, and how to develop relationships--all of those are skills that we need to negotiate adulthood," said Copenhaver.

She says even if a parent cannot be around their baby at all times, a consistent babysitter is key.

But some daycares are bogged down with too many kids and are not able to give individual attention.

Vandenboom Child Development Center in Marquette does just the opposite. Teachers at Vandenboom have a one-to-three adult-to-child policy, so the kids can get used to and be familiar with their caregiver.

"Each of our babies are assigned a staff person to care for them. They do the feedings, the diaper changing, the rocking them to sleep. So those one-on-one moments are when they really get to build that special relationship," said Lori Smolinski, Vandenboom's Child Development Director.

Thursday's presentation is all a part of Mental Health Month at the library.