Experience a heartwarming and enlightening journey with this captivating documentary series that delves deep into the essence of being human. Drawing upon cutting-edge research, the film unravels the complexities of infant development, shedding light on our earliest capacities to process information, cultivate sensory and spatial cognition, and foster trust in our loved ones. Central to the series is a focus on the pivotal milestones that encompass an infant’s first year of life, laying the groundwork for their future endeavors.
The opening segment, titled “Love,” delves into the biology of the bond between parent and child. Through a study involving 80 participants, researchers explore the profound and seemingly instantaneous feelings of affection that emerge in new parents. Their investigation uncovers equal levels of oxytocin, the hormone that fosters deep connectivity, in both mothers and fathers. Conversely, the research reveals the adverse effects a child may face in the absence of this affection.
While crawling is commonly perceived as a precursor to walking, the second episode introduces a French scientist’s unique perspective. She proposes that our ability to perform such movements is ingrained in us from our time in the womb, with the subsequent development being a mere adjustment to gravity.
As the first year progresses, infants begin to exhibit greater engagement in language. The third episode provides insights into a child’s remarkable capacity to absorb and mimic language, featuring the director of the Infant Language Lab at Temple University.
The fourth episode delves into the foundation of sleep. Newborns sleep for up to 16 hours a day, raising questions about the activities occurring in their developing brains during these restful periods and the significance of sleep in their overall growth.
In the final segment, experts examine the transformative process of a child standing upright and taking their first steps, exploring how this newfound activity shapes their perception of the world around them.
Produced by Netflix, “Babies” is an endlessly captivating exploration of the myriad influences that shape our earliest selves. Prepare to be enthralled by this fascinating series that will warm your heart and deepen your understanding of the incredible journey of human development.