The processes of memory development include several areas of the brain whose work is associated with the formation, sustaining, and subsequent retrieval of memories. Thus, the hippocampus, which is considered to be responsible for the formation of memories, develops until the age of 7.

At the same time, a typical age border of infantile amnesia — the age 3.5 — is gradually shifting, which is why kids and teenagers have earlier memories than adults. It means the issue is connected not only with the formation but also with sustaining the memories.

Another factor to consider is language. Children under the age of 6 gradually move to full use of their native language, resulting in serious changes occurring in their verbal communication, and they coincide with the period of infantile amnesia. Thus, the child starts to use the words of the past tense and words associated with memory, such as “remember” and “forget” in their speech.

Scientists held research where kids who had serious trauma from the age of 1 to 2 were interviewed about those events 5 years later. Most kids who were less than 1 year old at the time of the event didn’t remember the events well — they were mixing up the details or describing the events consisting of several different memories. At the same time, kids who were 2 at the time they were traumatized remember the event much better.

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