From the moment we’re born, our brains are primed to interact with the world around us, especially with our primary caregivers. Infants are wired for connection, seeking out facial expressions, vocal cues, and touch from the adults who care for them. But these early social interactions do more than just build bonds—they actively shape the structure and function of a baby’s brain, influencing everything from emotional regulation to social behavior. For many decades, a body of research has been untangling these complex links, highlighting just how vital early caregiving is for a child’s brain development.

In a recent review, Ilyka et al. (1) systematically analyzed studies that examined infant social interactions and brain development. Three key findings from this body of research underscore the profound influence of early social experiences on the developing brain.

One of the most important findings focuses on how caregiver sensitivity—or lack thereof—is associated with the baby’s brain activity patterns. Studies in the review show that infants of sensitive caregivers tend to have brain activity patterns linked to positive emotions and approach-oriented behaviors.

In contrast, infants with less sensitive or intrusive caregivers........

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