Recent research suggests that infants’ brains actively record early childhood experiences, even though we are unable to consciously recall them in later life. The phenomenon, known as infantile amnesia, has long intrigued scientists. 

Hippocampal activity in infants 

The hippocampus, a key brain structure responsible for processing and consolidating memory, plays an important role in recording experiences in early childhood. A study by Yale University researchers found that infants between the ages of 3 and 24 months are capable of recognizing and remembering repetitive patterns, suggesting hippocampal activity regardless of the full maturity of this structure. 

Infants show the ability for so-called statistical learning, which involves recognizing, understanding and predicting patterns in the environment. This is a process distinct from episodic memory, which involves the conscious recall of specific events. Research indicates that although the hippocampus of infants is active during statistical learning, the full ability to form lasting episodic memories develops later in life, as this structure matures. 

The role of naps in memory consolidation 

Naps play a key role in the process of memory consolidation in young children. Research suggests that infants and young children, whose hippocampi are still immature, need more frequent naps to process and consolidate new information. As the hippocampus matures and its memory capacity increases, the need for naps decreases, which explains why older children gradually give them up. 

Although we do not consciously remember events from early childhood, these experiences have a significant impact on our later life. Learning processes are extremely intense during this period, and infants actively analyze the world around them, allowing them to develop basic skills and form social bonds. 

Sources: neuroexpert.org, nauka.rocks,  www.projektpulsar.pl, naukawpolsce.pl