Babies recall faces; they actually learn from looking at human faces. Thus, many parents and kids experts are concerned about the developmental consequences of extensive face masks during the pandemic.
In this article, you’ll read:
- Babies learn by looking at faces with face masks
- How do children build their memory, and how can you assist them?
- 5 simple techniques to help your child’s memory development
Babies recall faces even with face masks
Babies recall faces even with face masks
Researchers at the University of California, Davis, found that 6- to 9-month-old babies may create memories of masked faces. And recall those faces when unmasked in a new study.
Michaela DeBolt, a Ph.D. candidate in cognitive psychology, and Lisa Oakes. A professor in the Department of Psychology and the Center for Mind and Brain, employed eye tracking to investigate how masks affect babies’ facial recognition.
In the study, 58 babies, each seated on a parent’s lap or in a highchair, were shown pairs of masked and unmasked women’s faces on a computer screen while cameras recorded where they glanced.
Because babies linger longer over unfamiliar photographs, the researchers were able to determine which faces they recognised, according to DeBolt.
The findings were published in a special issue of the journal Infancy in January/February, which focused on the impact of COVID-19 on baby development.
The study took place from late December 2021 to late March 2022 at Oakes’ Baby Cognition Lab at the Center for Mind and Brain in Davis, California, during a statewide mask mandate and the arrival of the coronavirus omicron strain.
Observation of the study
“When babies learned a masked face and then saw it unmasked again, they recognised it,” DeBolt added.
When the sequence was reversed, however, newborns did not demonstrate strong recognition of masked faces that they had previously seen unmasked. DeBolt compared it to her experience of not immediately identifying a buddy wearing a face mask.
According to Oakes, learning faces is essential for babies to learn to talk, feel emotions, build relationships with caregivers, and explore their surroundings. “As a result, many were particularly concerned about face masks and the impact they might have on how infants learn about human faces.”
According to Oakes, a specialist on cognitive development in infancy, the study showed newborns’ extraordinary ability to adapt. “I believe it will be quite reassuring to parents in general,” she says. “Babies develop and flourish all around the world.
“There are so many differences in babies’ everyday lived experiences,” she adds. “They flourish as long as they are well cared for, fed, and receive love and attention.
We can fall into the trap of believing that the way we do things is the best way to do things and that anything else will cause problems. That is obviously not the case.”
Why do babies need memory?
You may believe that your baby does not need to remember anything in the first few weeks and months. Because you are doing everything for them.
Your baby’s memory, on the other hand, plays a significant role in recognizing everything around them, from the sight of your face to the sound of your voice. “Memory is more of a toolkit than a stock cupboard,” Dr. Jane Gilmour says.
5 simple techniques to help your child’s memory development
5 simple techniques to help your child’s memory development
Begin with the basics
Keep things simple at first, says Abigail. “Too much sensory input can easily overstimulate babies and young children. Concentrating on a few straightforward, repetitive activities. May be more successful than trying to enhance their memory in a variety of ways.”
Asking your child what they placed on their feet could suffice (shoes and socks).
Be sensory-rich
Along with talking to your child. Jane suggests using a variety of sensory cues to help your kid recall different things.
“Whatever knowledge you give your kid is more likely to be retained if it is repeated and provided in a multisensory manner using sound, touch, taste, smell, and so on,” she explains.
“For example, when singing a nursery rhyme, incorporate hand movements to help newborns learn.”
Discuss previous events
Talking to your child about past events is an excellent technique to help them strengthen their long-term memory. This may be something you noticed out the bus window on the way to town or something you did over the weekend.
“Reviewing the events of the day as a family is a healthy family habit for a variety of reasons.
“It helps strengthen narrative abilities, which promotes reading, and it’s good for bonding,” Jane explains.
Maintain consistency
“High levels of repetition help babies and children learn best,” says Abigail. “This is because repetition helps to establish new connections in the brain.
And allows newborns and small kids to experiment and learn new skills.” Consider repeating exercises like this simple “Do you remember? ” game.
Place various objects on a tray and see if your toddler remembers what was on it. You may play this over and over!
Create a routine
Doing the same thing every week can assist your child’s memory. To improve in the same way that you can repeat games.
“Repeating specific activities at key times of the day or week can assist to deliver those all-important repeated experiences,” adds Abigail.
If you stroll to the store every week, make it into a memory-boosting moment by taking turns with your child.
Also read: How and What You Read to Baby Can Impact Brain Development
