Even before uttering their first words, babies are continually absorbing information from their surroundings. Recent research indicates that certain straightforward interactions may be more effective than others in capturing a baby’s attention and even fostering early cognitive development.
A study conducted by the University of California, Davis, published in Developmental Psychology on September 1, 2025, discovered that naming an object (for example, saying “bear”) while using spatial terms (“here” or “there”) and accompanying gestures, such as pointing, significantly increases the duration of infants’ attention compared to merely using words. Notably, nine-month-old babies showed the longest focus—averaging 8.4 seconds—when parents combined labeling, spatial language, and gestures.
“This study finds that the diversity and specificity of the words parents use can shape their babies’ development in their engagement with objects around them,” said Erim Kızıldere, lead author and Ph.D. student in psychology at UC Davis.
How the study worked
Researchers monitored 49 North American caregivers and their nine-month-old infants during play sessions with a puzzle featuring cartoon animals: a parrot, zebra, lion, monkey, bear, and elephant. Infants wore head-mounted eye trackers to assess their gaze duration and focus.
When parents used words that were neither explicit labels nor spatial terms, infants looked for an average of 3.1 seconds.
Only labeling words (such as “lion”) extended focus to 3.9 seconds.
Using spatial words alone (like “here” or “there”) held attention for 3.6 seconds.
Combining labeling with spatial terms increased attention to 6.1 seconds.
The combination of gestures with labeling and spatial words produced the longest focus of 8.4 seconds.
“At nine months old, infants are just starting to develop a sense of the space around them as well as some of the words to describe it,” stated Lisa Oakes, Distinguished Professor of Psychology at UC Davis and senior author of the study. “Because parents used a lot of spatial language, we had the opportunity to measure how babies respond to it.”
Why it matters
The findings underscore that everyday interactions—such as pointing at a toy, naming it, and using basic directional words—can meaningfully influence how babies connect with their environment. Researchers note that longer attention spans in infancy may contribute to improved spatial reasoning later in life.
“When infants focus their attention longer on the objects around them, those experiences can build up and may lead to better spatial reasoning later in their lives,” said Kızıldere.
In essence, parents do not require apps or flashcards to aid their child’s developmental progress—intentional, playful communication during everyday moments suffices.
How to make gestures part of your daily routine
There is no need for flashcards or specialized apps to encourage your baby’s cognitive development. Everyday routines offer ample opportunities to combine words with gestures, helping your child maintain focus for longer. Here are some straightforward strategies:
- Playtime pointers: When your baby picks up a toy, name it and point. For instance: “Lion here!” while guiding their attention with your hand.
- Mealtime moments: Point to food on the tray as you label it: “Banana there,” or “Cup here.”
- Outdoor observations: While walking, gesture toward a dog, tree, or car while naming it. “Dog there!” connects the word with the object in space.
- Routine rituals: Use gestures during daily care—say “Sock here” as you put it on, or “Book there” when placing it on a shelf.
- Bath-time fun: Point to toys or water splashes: “Duck here!” or “Water there!”
These small, intentional cues not only engage your baby’s attention in the moment but also help reinforce connections between words, objects, and space over time—laying a bedrock for attention and cognitive development.
Helping your baby learn, one gesture at a time
The next time your baby reaches for a toy, try this simple interaction: say the name of the object, add a directional cue, and point. For example, “Bear here!” while pointing at the toy. This small act can have a surprisingly significant impact, as it aids your infant in understanding the objects and space around them while enhancing focus and cognitive abilities.
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