The Baby Scientist

Bringing research on child development to parents.

Depression
Why We Get the Winter Blues

Vanessa LoBue Ph.D. on April 13, 2026

This winter didn’t just bring freezing temperatures; it also brought with it a wave of seasonal depression, or what some call seasonal affective disorder. Here's why.

This winter didn’t just bring freezing temperatures; it also brought with it a wave of seasonal depression, or what some call seasonal affective disorder. Here's why.

Pregnancy
Helping All Moms Survive Labor and Delivery

Vanessa LoBue Ph.D. on January 13, 2026

Between 2003 and 2013, the United States was one of only eight countries that saw an increase in maternal mortality nationwide. Here's why and how we can help all moms stay safe.

Between 2003 and 2013, the United States was one of only eight countries that saw an increase in maternal mortality nationwide. Here's why and how we can help all moms stay safe.

Gender
Why the "Draw a Scientist" Test Matters

Vanessa LoBue Ph.D. on December 15, 2025

If you asked your child to draw a scientist, what would they draw? The answer could provide insight into the state of women in STEM.

If you asked your child to draw a scientist, what would they draw? The answer could provide insight into the state of women in STEM.

Parenting
Why Role Models Matter

Vanessa LoBue Ph.D. on November 17, 2025

Role models can provide you (and your children) with someone to look up to, model good behaviors, and scaffold reasonable, positive short-term and long-term goals.

Role models can provide you (and your children) with someone to look up to, model good behaviors, and scaffold reasonable, positive short-term and long-term goals.

Autism
A History of Mom-Blaming for Autism

Vanessa LoBue Ph.D. on October 6, 2025

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kenney Jr. says that taking Tylenol during pregnancy causes autism. Here's what science says.

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kenney Jr. says that taking Tylenol during pregnancy causes autism. Here's what science says.

Child Development
Easing Back-to-School Struggles

Vanessa LoBue Ph.D. on September 9, 2025

The first day of school can be hard on kids and on parents. Here are some tips from science about how to make the transition a little easier.

The first day of school can be hard on kids and on parents. Here are some tips from science about how to make the transition a little easier.

Education
Why We Should Be Thinking About Children’s Thinking

Vanessa LoBue Ph.D. on May 19, 2025

In a future where we don’t know what kinds of jobs and skills will be needed, our children will need to be flexible. Here's how they can learn to be curious and think flexibly.

In a future where we don’t know what kinds of jobs and skills will be needed, our children will need to be flexible. Here's how they can learn to be curious and think flexibly.

Social Media
The Vaccine for Viral Misinformation

Vanessa LoBue Ph.D. on May 12, 2025

How does false information spread, why does it spread so fast, and how do we protect ourselves from getting duped? Here are some answers from recent science.

How does false information spread, why does it spread so fast, and how do we protect ourselves from getting duped? Here are some answers from recent science.

Motivation
When to Let Go of Old Goals

Vanessa LoBue Ph.D. on January 13, 2025

We've all heard, "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again." But is it ever okay to just quit? Research says yes, and you might feel better for it.

We've all heard, "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again." But is it ever okay to just quit? Research says yes, and you might feel better for it.

Sleep
On the Benefits of Napping

Vanessa LoBue Ph.D. on November 11, 2024

Feel like taking a nap? Here's what science says about why you should do it, when, and for how long.

Feel like taking a nap? Here's what science says about why you should do it, when, and for how long.

Fear
The Many Faces of Fear

Vanessa LoBue Ph.D. on October 14, 2024

Despite our intuitions, we all experience fear differently and for different reasons. Here's what science says about why that is.

Despite our intuitions, we all experience fear differently and for different reasons. Here's what science says about why that is.

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Tests
Self Tests
Self Tests

Self Tests are all about you. Are you outgoing or introverted? Are you a narcissist? Does perfectionism hold you back? Find out the answers to these questions and more with Psychology Today.

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