If you’re a parent, you’ve likely found yourself gazing at your little one—sometimes in wonder, often in exasperation—pondering, “What’s happening in that tiny head?” Wouldn’t it be great if they could shed some light on their tears, their astonishing ability to pick up new skills at lightning speed (like that accidental curse word you dropped), and what they truly desire when nothing seems to appease them?
Unfortunately, babies come without user manuals, so parents have historically relied on guesswork and trial and error (sorry, firstborns). While the internet provides a flood of information, it can often be overwhelming, making it difficult to discern fact from fiction.
Enter Netflix’s captivating six-part series, Babies. This program dives into the lives of 15 families from around the globe, intertwining their real-life parenting journeys with a rigorous scientific exploration of the first year of a child’s life. The creators carefully selected significant topics to explore, collaborating with leading scientists conducting pioneering research to provide insights into the most pressing questions parents have about their infants.
In an interview, producer Mia Thompson from Nutopia, the studio behind the series, emphasized the goal of making the documentary both educational and relatable. “By blending scientific insights with the experiences of 15 real families, the series offers genuine understanding of what’s happening with your baby, while also reassuring you that you’re not alone—every parent grapples with concerns about milestones and sleep issues. It’s a shared experience,” Thompson explains. “It provides an intimate glimpse into the highs and lows of parenting, filled with joy and warmth. Watching these babies grow throughout the series is truly captivating.”
From the first breath to those initial steps, the docu-series captures the authentic challenges of new parenthood and, more importantly, the scientific explanations behind those experiences. For instance, a surge of oxytocin at birth activates the amygdala, the brain region associated with vigilance and concern. This heightened state of worry is something mothers will experience indefinitely (anyone with children can attest to that!). Interestingly, research shows that a father’s amygdala activation is significantly lower—unless he is the primary caregiver.
The discoveries made during the creation of Babies are astounding. “There were numerous unexpected findings,” Thompson said. “I was particularly surprised by the lack of research in vital areas, like breast milk. One fascinating aspect we uncovered, which we couldn’t include in the series, is that breast milk contains melatonin at night but not during the day. Even though it feels impossible to get a baby to sleep sometimes, nature is trying to assist you!”
Whether you are currently navigating the world of infant parenting, reminiscing about those days, or contemplating parenthood, Babies is essential viewing for anyone curious about the inner workings of these mysterious little beings. “Never underestimate a baby!” Thompson hopes viewers walk away with this message. “Babies are incredibly intelligent learning machines, and we must prioritize their early care.”
Additionally, there are six more episodes in the pipeline, focusing on how babies perceive the world around them and what they are innately born knowing versus what they must learn. “We hope to expand this exploration all the way into the teenage years,” she adds, “but that’s up to Netflix.”
We might need to rally for that. After all, if Babies is this enlightening for our infants, we could certainly use some guidance as we try to decode our teens too.
The first episode of Babies is now streaming on Netflix. For more parenting insights, check out our post on home insemination and discover expert sleep tips for toddlers at Intracervical Insemination. If you’re interested in deeper discussions about pregnancy, In Vitro Fertilization is an excellent resource.
In summary, Netflix’s Babies is a groundbreaking docu-series that combines the heartfelt experiences of real families with enlightening scientific research, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of early childhood development.