6 things you (maybe) don't know about babies that can change their development
We present 6 surprising facts about babies, inspired by Montessori and neuroscience, to better support their development.
1. Babies understand far more words than they say.
By nine months, a baby understands between 20 and 50 words. Even if they aren't yet speaking, they absorb every word, every song, every ritual. According to a study from the University of Pennsylvania, comprehension precedes speech by several months: by 18 months, a baby can understand up to 200 words. This means that a language-rich environment—talking, singing, storytelling—is essential for stimulating vocabulary and future communication.
2. Crying is a language, not just an emotion.
A baby doesn't cry for no reason. Behind every tear, there's a need: to be fed, reassured, held… Neuroscience shows that responding quickly to cries reduces stress and helps the brain develop connections related to emotional security. In the Montessori approach, it's emphasized that crying is a primary form of communication: responding shows the child that their voice matters. This contributes to the development of self-confidence and a secure attachment.
3. A baby's brain is more active than an adult's.
At age one, a baby's brain establishes more than one million new neural connections per second (source: Harvard Center on the Developing Child). That's twice as many as an adult brain. Every interaction—a suitable toy, a repeated song, a smile—is significant: it builds the foundation for future cognitive skills. This is why the first few years are called the "first 1,000 days," a crucial period for a child's overall development.
4. Babies learn through repetition
Telling the same story or singing the same nursery rhyme ten times is not a waste of time. On the contrary, repetition builds strong neural pathways in the brain. Research in developmental psychology shows that repetition improves memory, comprehension, and anticipation. For children, it also provides a sense of security: knowing what will happen next reassures them and allows them to experiment more freely. Montessori emphasized this principle: "Children love to repeat," because that is how they truly internalize their learning.
5. Bilingualism does not disrupt, it enriches.
Introducing another language early is an invaluable gift. Studies by Patricia Kuhl (University of Washington) have shown that babies exposed to multiple languages before 12 months retain an exceptional ability to distinguish foreign sounds, an ability that adults lose. Contrary to some misconceptions, bilingualism does not "delay" speech. It enriches cognitive flexibility, improves memory, and develops social skills. The earlier a baby is naturally exposed (through nursery rhymes, everyday phrases, and bilingual books), the more easily their brain integrates the two languages.
6. Exploring is already playing
When a baby empties a box, shakes an object, or bangs two toys together, it's not mess. It's a miniature scientific experiment. Researchers call it "experimentation by action": each gesture allows the baby to test gravity, texture, sound, or shape. These little games build logic, motor skills, and independence. Maria Montessori called this "children's work": free and repetitive play that has a specific function in development. What adults see as "mess" is actually the first step in scientific reasoning.
In conclusion
These small, often overlooked truths can transform the way you support your child. As parents, every action counts: talking, reassuring, repeating, letting them explore. At Noor & Koala, we create boxes inspired by Montessori pedagogy and enriched by bilingualism to stimulate the overall development of babies.
Because sometimes it's these things you don't know about that can change your baby's development.