Every parent has found themselves gazing at their infant, sometimes in wonder and at other times in exasperation, pondering the question: “What’s happening in that tiny mind?” If only those little ones could share a glimpse of their thoughts — whether it’s the reason behind their cries, how they master new skills in the blink of an eye (like perfectly repeating that curse word you let slip just once), or what they truly seek when nothing seems to please them.
Unfortunately, babies don’t come equipped with manuals. Since time immemorial, moms and dads have relied on trial and error to navigate parenthood (sorry, firstborns). While the Internet provides a wealth of information, it can be overwhelming to differentiate between scientifically-backed facts and mere speculation.
Enter Netflix’s captivating six-part series, Babies. This series chronicles the experiences of 15 families from around the globe as they raise their infants, blending real-life parenting challenges with scientific insights into the first year of life. The producers selected compelling topics and collaborated with leading scientists to provide answers to parents’ pressing inquiries about their little ones.
I spoke with Maya Hargrove, an executive producer from the production company behind the series, who emphasized the goal of making the documentary both educational and relatable. “By intertwining scientific research with the authentic stories of 15 families and their babies, the series sheds light on what’s happening with your child and reassures you that you’re not alone — all parents experience worries about milestones, feeding, and sleep. It’s a shared journey,” Hargrove explains. “The series offers a close look at the ups and downs of parenting a baby, filled with warmth and joy. Watching these little ones grow over the episodes is truly captivating.”
From that first breath to those initial steps, the docu-series captures the joys and challenges of new parenthood while also unveiling the scientific rationale behind these experiences. For instance, a surge of the hormone oxytocin during birth activates the amygdala, the brain area responsible for vigilance and worry. This heightened state of alertness in mothers remains for life (as any parent can confirm, the worry never truly disappears). Interestingly, scans reveal that fathers’ amygdalae activate to a lesser extent, except in cases where they are the primary caregivers.
The revelations in Babies are awe-inspiring. Hargrove shared that the series uncovered numerous unexpected insights. “I was surprised by the lack of research in key areas, like breast milk, and how much remains unknown,” she noted. “One fascinating finding, which we didn’t include in the series, is that breast milk contains melatonin at night but not during the day. So, while it can feel impossible to get a baby to sleep, nature is actually offering a helping hand!”
Whether you’re in the throes of caring for an infant, reminiscing about those days, or contemplating parenthood, Babies is essential viewing for anyone curious about the inner workings of these mysterious little beings (and, let’s be honest, themselves). So much happens in that first year that has remained elusive until now. “Never underestimate a baby!” Hargrove advises. “Babies are incredibly smart learning machines, and it’s crucial to prioritize and invest in their early years.”
Additionally, there are plans for six more episodes later this year, focusing on how babies perceive the world and what they are innately aware of versus what they learn. “We hope to continue exploring all the way through to the teenage years, but that depends on Netflix,” she added.
It would be fantastic to see this series expand, as we’ve witnessed how enlightening Babies can be for understanding our little ones, and we could certainly use some assistance in navigating the complexities of raising teenagers too.
Part one of Babies is now streaming on Netflix. For more insights, check out our related post on home insemination kit or explore intracervicalinsemination.com for authoritative information on this topic. Additionally, MedlinePlus offers a wealth of knowledge on pregnancy and home insemination at this link.
In summary, Netflix’s Babies is a profound exploration of the early stages of life from both a personal and scientific perspective. It’s a must-watch for anyone eager to understand the complexities of parenting and the remarkable potential of infants.