This study explores the influence of parental support and positive discipline on infant irritability at 12 months and examines racial disparities in these parenting practices. Using data from 191 Black and non-Latino/a/e/x White (NLW) mother-infant dyads, we measured maternal support and positive discipline through the Comprehensive Early Childhood Parenting Questionnaire (CECPAQ) and assessed infant irritability with the Survey of Wellbeing of Young Children (SWYC), Baby Pediatric Symptom Checklist (BPSC). Our analysis shows that Black mothers reported significantly higher positive discipline levels than NLW mothers. Despite this, Black infants displayed higher irritability scores than NLW infants. Secure housing and marital status were also significantly associated with reduced infant irritability. Furthermore, higher scores in supportive parenting were associated with lower irritability, irrespective of the mother’s race. No significant racial differences were observed in overall supportive parenting scores or its effect on irritability. These findings highlight the critical need for interventions addressing housing stability and supporting positive parenting practices to enhance infant well-being across racial groups. Future research should involve longitudinal studies to explore the long-term effects of early parenting practices on child development, including input from teachers as children reach new developmental milestones.