There isn’t a parent out there who hasn’t gazed at their little one—sometimes in wonder, other times in exasperation—and pondered, “What’s happening inside that tiny head?!” If only they could provide a glimpse into why they’re crying, how they can learn new skills in the blink of an eye (like perfectly repeating that expletive you accidentally dropped… just the once), or what they actually desire when nothing seems to please them.
Naturally, babies don’t come with user manuals, and since time immemorial, moms and dads have been navigating the parenting maze through guesswork (sorry, firstborns). With the Internet at our fingertips, we’re inundated with information, making it challenging to discern which “facts” are grounded in scientific research and which are mere myths.
Enter Netflix’s enlightening six-part series, Babies, which chronicles the journeys of 15 families from around the globe, merging their real-life parenting experiences with a comprehensive scientific exploration of the first year of life. The creators selected relevant topics and enlisted researchers who are pioneering work in those areas, assembling a team of specialists to address parents’ most pressing inquiries about their little ones.
I spoke with Emma Reynolds, an executive producer from the production company Nutopia, who emphasized their goal of creating a series that is both educational and relatable.
“By intertwining scientific insights with the documentary narratives of 15 real families and their babies, the show offers genuine understanding into what’s transpiring with your baby and hopefully reassures you that you’re not alone—every parent grapples with concerns about milestones and their baby’s feeding or sleeping patterns. It’s a universal experience,” Reynolds explains. “It’s an intimate look at the highs and lows of parenting, filled with joy and warmth. Witnessing these babies grow over the series is truly captivating.”
From first breaths to first steps, the docu-series reveals the relatable realities of new parenthood and, at long last, sheds light on the scientific basis behind them. For instance, the release of oxytocin during birth activates a part of the brain known as the amygdala, responsible for vigilance and anxiety. Once a mother’s amygdala is triggered, it remains that way indefinitely (as any parent knows, the worry never really goes away). Interestingly, scans show that a father’s amygdala is activated significantly less—unless he’s the primary caregiver.
But that’s just one of the many astonishing insights featured in Babies. Reynolds notes that the series uncovered numerous unexpected findings.
“I was amazed by the lack of research in some critical areas, like breast milk, and how much there is still to learn,” she shares. “One fascinating tidbit that didn’t make it into the series is that breast milk contains melatonin at night but not during the day. Even when it feels impossible to get a baby to sleep, nature is there to lend a helping hand!”
Whether you’re currently navigating the challenges of infant parenthood, reminiscing about those days, or contemplating potential parenthood, Babies is a must-watch for anyone curious about the inner workings of these mysterious little humans (and, okay, yourself).
So much happens in that first year that we’ve never fully grasped—until now. “Never underestimate a baby!” Reynolds urges, reflecting on what she hopes viewers will take away from the series. “Babies are the most intelligent learning machines on the planet, and we should prioritize their early years care to the best of our abilities.”
Looking ahead, she mentions that another six episodes are slated to release later this year, exploring how babies comprehend the world around them and what they are innately aware of versus what they must learn. “We’d love to continue all the way to teenagers and young adults,” she adds, “but that’s in Netflix’s hands.”
We should definitely consider starting a petition. After all, if Babies has provided invaluable insights into our infants, we could certainly use some guidance in deciphering our teenagers too.
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In summary, Netflix’s docu-series Babies combines real-life parenting stories with scientific insights, offering a deeper understanding of the first year of life. It’s an engaging exploration that reassures parents that they are not alone in their concerns and highlights the incredible capabilities of infants.
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