Babies are Surprisingly Smart

Infants, even before they can talk or walk, exhibit remarkable cognitive abilities. Their brains grow rapidly, and researchers use creative methods to study their cognition, such as observing behaviors and using brain imaging techniques. Infants show an understanding of basic math and physics, recognizing unexpected outcomes and grasping concepts like gravity. They also develop social and emotional skills early, responding to emotions and understanding language foundations. Infants can infer others' intentions, indicating a rudimentary theory of mind. These abilities highlight the complex learning occurring in infants' early years.

What cognitive abilities do infants demonstrate before they can talk or walk?

How do researchers study infant cognition if they cannot ask babies questions?

What evidence suggests that infants have a basic understanding of physics?

In what ways do infants begin to understand emotions and language?

How do infants demonstrate their understanding of social behavior?