Why babies’ experiences matter (even if they can’t remember them)
No matter how hard we try, remembering anything that happened to us before the age of, say, 3 or 4 years old feels impossible. Even memories before 7 years old feel hazy and fragmented. Our brains just aren’t built to store specific memories from our first few years, something known as “infantile amnesia.” And chances […]
Babies may experience infantile amnesia, making it difficult to remember events from their early years, often before the age of 3 or 4. However, these early experiences shape their future relationships and sense of security. Research suggests that babies can form specific memories for a short period, as shown by their longer gazes at familiar images in MRI scans.
The hippocampus plays a crucial role in forming these early memories. Scientists theorize that infants prioritize learning general skills over storing specific memories, which are not necessary for survival. The environment, parental care, and early experiences significantly influence brain development and the formation of social connections.
Parents should focus on being imperfect yet loving, as it helps children understand that they can be loved despite imperfections and learn to expect love and care from others.
Written by urgent.news from Vox's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
