Book 2, Question 17 · Video
Why Can't We Remember Being a Baby?
Can you remember being a baby? Most people cannot! That is because baby brains are still building the memory system. This is called childhood amnesia.
Read the full answer →What Crafty Clover says in this video
Intro
Hey there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why can't we remember being a baby?
The Big Idea
Can you remember being a baby? Most people cannot! That is because baby brains are still building the memory system. Scientists call this childhood amnesia, and it is a normal part of growing up.
The Brain Is Growing
Step one: the baby brain is growing. In the first years of life, the brain makes new connections super fast. It is busy learning to see, hear, move, and talk.
Memory System Unfinished
Step two: the memory system is unfinished. The filing cabinet for life stories is not ready yet. Babies have many experiences, but the parts that store long-lasting stories are still being built.
Later Years File Differently
Step three: later years are filed differently. As kids get older, memory connections get stronger, so memories can last longer. That is why you may remember your first day of school, but not your first birthday.
A Closer Look
Let's take a closer look at baby brain files. The baby brain is growing super fast. But the memory files are not ready yet, so life stories are hard to store. We learn about our baby days from family stories, photos, and videos.
Quick Facts
Quick facts! This is called childhood amnesia. Babies still learn a lot, like faces, voices, and words, even if they do not store it as a story. Family stories, photos, and videos fill in the gaps. It is completely normal, and it happens to everyone. Your brain is always growing, and it is still building new memory files today.
Think Like a Scientist
Now, think like a scientist! Ask a grown-up what their earliest memory is. Ask how old they were. Then ask a few other people in your family. Do most people say about the same age? Compare the answers and see!
Outro
You may not remember being a baby, but you are making memories right now! Every day is a new page in your own story. Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!