Imagine a life filled with discovery—your first steps, your first words, the faces of loved ones as they beam down at you.
These are monumental moments, yet most of us can’t recall a single detail from our early years. It’s a paradox that has puzzled psychologists and neuroscientists for over a century.
Sigmund Freud was among the first to give this phenomenon a name: infantile amnesia. He suggested that memories from the earliest stages of life are inaccessible due to repression.
While Freud’s theories have since evolved into more nuanced understandings, the question remains: Why do we forget the most formative years of our lives?
Some clues lie in the science of memory formation. A famous study on early recollections revealed that the average person can’t remember events from before the age of three or four, though this timeline varies depending on individual and cultural factors.
For example, research comparing participants from the United States and China found that Americans’ earliest memories were typically more elaborate and personal, while Chinese participants recalled memories that were briefer and more factual.
This cultural lens offers a fascinating insight: the way we frame and value memories—even as adults—may shape how and when we begin remembering our earliest experiences.
Is Memory Really About Language?
Conventional wisdom suggests that memory is primarily a neurological function. But what if the key lies in something as simple as language?
Robyn Fivush, a psychologist at Emory University, explains that language provides a structure for memories, turning fleeting moments into coherent narratives.
In this view, babies may not retain memories because they lack the vocabulary to describe or contextualize their experiences.
However, language is just one piece of the puzzle. Consider the case of Henry Molaison (known in scientific literature as H.M.), whose hippocampus was damaged during a surgery to treat epilepsy.
After the operation, Molaison could no longer form new memories, though he could remember short-term details and even learn new motor skills.
This case offers a striking parallel to infant brains, which are still developing their hippocampus—the brain’s “memory hub.”
Without a fully functional hippocampus, it’s likely that babies can’t store memories in a way that makes them retrievable later in life.
Building a Brain That Can Remember
Another compelling theory hinges on neurogenesis, the process by which new neurons are created in the brain.
During infancy, neurogenesis occurs at a rapid rate, particularly in the hippocampus. While this growth is crucial for brain development, it may also disrupt the formation and storage of long-term memories.
Think of it this way: Imagine trying to write a book while the pages are constantly being replaced with new ones.
The information doesn’t stick because the foundational structure is still in flux. Once neurogenesis slows down, the brain may become better equipped to store and retrieve memories.
Who Am I Without Memories?
Another intriguing possibility is that memory is tied to our sense of self.
As adults, we organize memories around our identity—our likes, dislikes, and personal narratives. But as babies, we lack this framework.
Without a clear understanding of who we are, it may be impossible to determine which moments are significant enough to remember.
This idea aligns with findings from developmental psychology, which suggest that a strong sense of self doesn’t emerge until around age two or three.
By this time, children begin using pronouns like “I” and “me,” signaling the development of a personal identity.
Do Baby Memories Shape Who We Are?
Even if we can’t consciously recall our early years, these experiences likely leave a lasting imprint on our subconscious.
Studies have shown that early interactions with caregivers can influence everything from attachment styles to emotional resilience, suggesting that we carry the echoes of these moments, even if we can’t remember them directly.
For example, a baby who experiences consistent love and care may grow into a more secure and confident adult, while one exposed to neglect might develop anxiety or trust issues.
These patterns reveal that memory isn’t just about recall—it’s also about how experiences shape our development.
Why the Mystery of Infantile Amnesia Matters
The inability to remember being a baby isn’t just an academic curiosity—it has profound implications for understanding human development.
If we can better grasp why early memories fade, we might unlock new ways to support healthy brain development in children.
While challenges remain in studying infantile amnesia, advances in neuroscience and psychology continue to shed light on this fascinating phenomenon.
For now, the mystery of why we forget our earliest years reminds us of just how complex—and extraordinary—the human mind truly is.
So the next time you marvel at a baby’s laugh or first steps, take a moment to appreciate the fleeting beauty of those moments.
They may not remember, but their experiences are shaping them in ways we’re only beginning to understand.
