Babies are astonishing little human beings! Not only are they "sponges" that soak up new knowledge, they already have an amazing skill set that allows them to show off amazing abilities even before they can walk or speak.
Let's take a closer look!
1. Babies can sense emotions
As early as a few months after birth, babies can already differentiate between happy and sad expressions. By the time they reach a year old, they can already sense how people around them feel. A study conducted in Japan found that babies as young as 10 months can express sympathy.
They also display that they care through acts of concern. For instance, when someone drops an object, they quickly crawl to retrieve it, showing how they're eager to help.
2. Babies can communicate using hands
Even before they learn to use words, babies can already speak using hand gestures! Encouraging baby sign language has been found to make it easier for babies to learn words. At around 9 to 12 months, they begin to point to try and let those around them know what they're seeing or hearing. They also use this to make requests.
Previous studies have found that children who used sign language as babies grew up to be better learners and problem solvers.
3. Babies can do math
As early as 6 months, your baby can amazingly comprehend the concept of math errors and use logic to solve problems.
Researchers found evidence of this when they showed a group of infants a puppet show and observing how they reacted to adding or subtracting puppets.
4. Babies can learn more than one language
Babies have the power to learn a second language! Encouraging them to be multi-lingual enhances their memory, thinking ability, and concentration, studies have found.
Another study found that bilingual babies learn about 50 words by the time they reach 18 months. As compared to the 10 words a baby learning only one language can speak at 18 months.
5. Babies can recognize faces
A week after birth, babies adorably know their mommy and daddy's faces. At 6 months, they already have the ability to pick out familiar faces from a crowd!
What's more, they can also find humor when you make funny faces! Not only does it entertain them, being silly with them stimulates their socioemotional development. It also promotes bonding and improves their ability, early on, to laugh and respond to amusing situations.
sources: Parents, Psychology Today, Parenting Science, LiveScience, What to Expect
READ: 7 Adorable milestones that help you bond with your baby before age 2!
