Why can’t we remember being babies?

Why can’t we remember being babies?

From But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids by Vermont Public

January 9, 2026 · 31 min · Episode 281

About this episode

This episode explores how memory works, particularly why we can't remember being babies and the nature of forgetfulness.

How does memory work? Why can’t we remember things that happened when we were babies? Why do we forget? Why are some people forgetful? Why do elephants have such good memories. What’s this episode about? I forgot! Oh yeah, how does our memory work! Our guest is Dr. Nick Turk-Browne, professor of psychology at Yale University. Download our learning guides: PDF | Google Slide | Transcript

People in this episode

Guest: Dr. Nick Turk-Browne

Topics covered

  • memory
  • childhood
  • forgetfulness
  • psychology
  • elephants

Keywords

  • memory
  • babies
  • forgetfulness
  • psychology
  • elephants
  • Dr. Nick Turk-Browne

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Yale University

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