Why newborn brains respond better to voices than visuals

As soon as a baby is born, it begins to scope out its surroundings. Noticing that a baby recognises a voice or settles down if spoken to, even though his eyes cannot yet focus on what is right in front of him, is a common experience for many parents. But this is far from an accident. A baby’s system is designed to favour sound, including voices, over what he is looking at.

The hearing development of a baby starts while still in the womb. By the time the baby is born, it is able to differentiate the voices of people it knows, like its mother. The vision is also blurry at this time. The baby is only able to see clearly close by. Since the hearing is advanced, the voices seem clearer and more significant compared to vision. For this reason, a baby is able to react to a voice when it is unable to focus on a face.

Babies have already been listening to the sound of voices inside the womb for months. The rhythm of voices, breathing, and heartbeats is very comforting to the babies. The babies find the sound of the same voices very comforting outside, in the new world. The babies can be comforted by their parent's voice. The voice can reduce their stress and help them settle more comfortably.

Visuals involve complex processing, which the brains of newborns have not matured enough to conduct. Sounds, especially gentle speech, involve simpler processes that can easily be handled by the brain. Voices involve tone, rhythm, and emotions, which can be felt by babies without necessarily understanding what is being said. This makes it less stressful to listen rather than watch. Newborns will, therefore, remain calm and interested in sounds rather than visuals involving bright or moving images.

Hearing voices builds the foundation for language acquisition. Parents' conversations, singing, or reading aloud to their toddlers establish patterns of speaking that the child learns. Even simple discussions between family members or caregivers will help stimulate brain connections associated with speaking. Nothing beats visuals in terms of building this skill when the child is a newborn.

Interaction with a newborn also brings moments of connection. Even if babies don't respond to talk, they respond to what their parents are saying to them through eye movements, facial expressions, and tranquility. All these help to develop trust and emotional security. It is not possible to provide visual stimulation to babies to develop all these aspects. A soothing voice lets babies know that they are protected and taken care of, which is essential for babies to develop healthy emotional skills.

Bright lights, screens, and fast-moving pictures can overexcite a newborn’s growing brain. This can cause irritability or difficulties in sleep. Speech, particularly soft and constant speech, is easier on the newborn and more manageable. Reducing stimulation through visually pleasing means and increasing stimulation through verbal communication make for a peaceful environment and a well-developed brain.

Your child does not need any special toys, videos, or special equipment that parents can buy in order for the child to learn. Even actions such as talking while you are breastfeeding the child, singing lullabies, talking about things that are happening in your day, can all be very stimulating for the child. Later on, as the child’s visions improve, visuals will become essential, but at this point, sounds are primary.