Babies

Babies

show

TV-PG, 2020, Documentary

WISE
78%

WISE Score

6.9

IMDb

Science meets squishy cheeks: a docuseries exploring what's actually happening in babies' brains during year one.

IMDb6.9
MC58
Common Sense Media
Where to Watch
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Screenwise Verdict

This is solid educational content that does exactly what it promises: explains the science of babies' first year through a mix of research footage, expert interviews, and adorable baby montages. It's not going to blow your mind—the Metacritic 58 and IMDb 6.9 are fair—but it's well-made, informative, and completely wholesome.

The real audience here is parents (especially new or expectant ones) and older kids who are genuinely curious about human development. If your 12-year-old is fascinated by psychology or your 14-year-old is considering pediatrics, this could be great. But let's be real: most kids under 12 will find this about as exciting as watching paint dry, even though the content is perfectly safe.

It's the kind of thing you put on when you want to learn something without being stressed out. No manufactured drama, no scary moments, just 'here's what's happening in that tiny brain.' Worth a watch if the topic interests you, but don't force it on kids who'd rather watch literally anything else.

Age Fit

This is really for parents, educators, or tweens/teens with a genuine interest in child development or science. The Common Sense age 10+ rating is about engagement, not safety—younger kids can watch, they'll just be bored. Adults will find it genuinely interesting.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
92

A gentle, science-based documentary that follows infants through their first year with warmth and respect. No manufactured drama, no chaotic pacing—just careful observation of developmental milestones across different cultures. Models patience and wonder at human development.

Imaginative
68

While the subject matter—infant brain development, motor skills, emotional bonding—is inherently fascinating from a scientific lens, the execution is fairly straightforward documentary filmmaking. It invites curiosity about how humans learn and grow, but doesn't push creative boundaries in storytelling or visual style. More educational than imaginative.

Safe
96

Extremely safe content—it's literally babies learning to crawl, eat, and interact. No violence, no scary moments, no mature themes. Netflix kids mode available. Common Sense Media rates it for age 10, likely because younger kids might find it boring rather than because of any content concerns. Completely appropriate for family viewing.

Enriching
82

Genuinely educational for both parents and older kids interested in science. Explores fascinating research on infant cognition, cross-cultural parenting practices, and developmental psychology. Builds empathy and understanding of early childhood. However, it's more informative than transformative—you'll learn things, but it's not going to change your worldview. IMDb 6.9 and Metacritic 58 suggest solid but not exceptional execution.

Parent Info

Why It Might Be Great

  • Fascinating peek into infant neuroscience and development research—you'll never look at a crawling baby the same way
  • Cross-cultural perspectives show diverse parenting approaches without judgment, which is refreshing
  • Great for expectant parents, new parents, or kids curious about child development and psychology
  • Wholesome, calming viewing that won't stress anyone out—just babies being babies while scientists explain what's up
  • Could spark interest in developmental psychology, neuroscience, or early childhood education

What to Watch For

  • Common Sense rates it 10+ not because of content concerns, but because younger kids will likely find it boring—this is documentary science, not Cocomelon
  • Pacing is slow and methodical; if your kid needs constant action, they'll tap out in five minutes
  • Some brief breastfeeding footage (completely natural and educational context, but worth noting)

Conversation Starters

  • "What surprised you most about how babies learn to walk/talk/recognize faces?"
  • "How do you think different cultures' parenting styles affect how babies develop?"
  • "If you could design an experiment to test how babies learn, what would you study?"
  • "What do you remember about being a baby? (Spoiler: probably nothing, and the show explains why!)"

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