While babies may not be able to speak for months, they already understand emotions. Even very young babies are able to read voice and facial cues and respond to the emotions of their parents and other caregivers.

Remembering that those cues are in response to particular actions, however, takes a few more months.

In the second half of the first year, your baby learns that a frown, a shaking head and a firm “no,” means not to pull on the lamp cord. But it takes a few more months before he can remember your signal well enough to prevent the action.

Near the end of the first year, your baby rapidly improves her ability to analyze, store and retrieve memories.

See also ...

•  Hearing and speech milestones

•  How your baby learns to speak 

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