Do babies have memory before age three?

In general, children may have some memories before the age of three, but these memories are often fragmented and vague. The detailed explanation is as follows:

Before age three, a child's brain is in a rapid development stage. Although children can develop certain awareness and responses to their surrounding environment and events, the brain structures responsible for long-term memory storage—such as the hippocampus—are not yet fully mature. As a result, they cannot form clear, lasting memories like adults do, although some vague memories may still exist. For example, strong emotional experiences such as fear or joy may leave deeper impressions. If a child has experienced a frightening event, he or she might show fear responses to similar situations for a period afterward.

Children may retain some memories before age three, but these memories are characterized by specificity and limitations. Parents can promote their child’s physical and psychological development by engaging in interactive communication and creating more positive experiences.