Parents tried this simple trick—and their babies focused twice as long
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Simple interactions may be more effective than others at keeping a baby’s attention
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Even before they say their first word, babies are constantly learning from the world around them. But new research suggests that some simple interactions may be more effective than others at keeping a baby’s attention—and even supporting early cognitive growth.
A study from the University of California, Davis, published in Developmental Psychology on September 1, 2025, found that naming an object (like saying “bear”) together with spatial words (“here” or “there”) and gestures, such as pointing, keeps infants’ attention longer than using words alone.. In fact, babies at nine months focused longest—8.4 seconds on average—when parents paired labeling and spatial language with 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.
Related: 9 types of foods to fuel brain development from a pediatric dietitian
How the study worked
Researchers observed 49 North American caregivers and their 9-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 measure where they looked and for how long.
- When parents used words that were neither labels nor spatial, infants looked for 3.1 seconds.
- Labeling words alone (like “lion”) extended focus to 3.9 seconds.
- Spatial words alone (like “here” or “there”) held attention for 3.6 seconds.
- Combining labeling and spatial words increased focus to 6.1 seconds.
- Adding gestures to labeling and spatial words produced the longest attention span: 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,” said 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
These findings highlight that everyday interactions—pointing at a toy, naming it, and using simple directional words—can make a measurable difference in how babies engage with their surroundings. Longer attention spans in infancy may also support stronger spatial reasoning later in life, the researchers said.
“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 other words, parents don’t need apps or flashcards to give their babies a developmental boost—just intentional, playful communication during routine moments is enough.
Related: Why unstructured play is critical for brain development
How to make gestures part of your daily routine
You don’t need flashcards or special apps to support your baby’s brain development. Everyday routines are full of opportunities to pair words with gestures and help your little one focus longer. Here are a few simple ways to start:
- Playtime pointers: When your baby picks up a toy, name it and point. For example: “Lion here!” while guiding their attention with your hand.
- Mealtime moments: Point to foods on the tray as you label them: “Banana there,” or “Cup here.”
- Outdoor observations: On walks, gesture toward a dog, tree, or car while naming it. “Dog there!” connects the word with the object in space.
- Routine rituals: Add gestures during everyday care — “Sock here” as you put it on, or “Book there” while placing it on the shelf.
- Bath-time fun: Point to toys or water splashes: “Duck here!” or “Water there!”
These small, intentional cues don’t just grab your baby’s attention in the moment. Over time, they help build stronger connections between words, objects, and space — laying a foundation for focus and cognitive growth.
Helping your baby learn, one gesture at a time
Next time your baby reaches for a toy, try this simple interaction: say the object’s name, add a directional cue, and point. For example, “Bear here!” while pointing at the toy. It’s a small act with a surprisingly big impact, helping your infant learn about the objects and space around them while building focus and cognitive skills.
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