This baby’s comfort taps’ might be the most powerful thing you see today
There’s something incredibly heartwarming about the way babies interact with their parents, and one recent viral TikTok, with over 2.6 million views and 1,200 comments, is a perfect example of that magic in action.
The video, captioned “we’ve always given him comfort taps,” features a baby cozied up in his mother’s arms while she gently taps his back. In the next clip, the father is holding the baby—and this time, the baby is the one delivering the sweet, rhythmic taps. It’s a moment that many parents can relate to, a fleeting gesture that symbolizes the deep emotional connection formed between parents and babies.
It’s an adorable moment, but it’s also something deeper: a glimpse into how babies begin to understand the world through imitation. Mimicking parents’ actions isn’t just cute; it’s an essential part of early development. These small, everyday moments help babies build emotional intelligence, strengthen their attachment to caregivers, and lay the foundation for lifelong social skills. As parents, these seemingly small moments are a reminder that you are teaching your baby not just through words, but through every gesture and action you take.
So, what makes this tiny gesture so powerful? Let’s explore how imitation plays a key role in a baby’s emotional and social growth.
Related: Toddler mimics mom’s vocabulary in hilarious TikTok—and it’s a masterclass in language development
The science behind imitation in babies
From the earliest stages of life, babies are keen observers, absorbing the world around them through a remarkable capacity for imitation. This natural propensity is not merely a charming behavior; it’s a fundamental mechanism through which infants learn and connect with others. As parents, you may notice these imitative moments early on—whether it’s your baby copying your smile or the way they reach for your hand. These moments not only feel precious, but they also play a vital role in their emotional development.
Research indicates that infants can recognize when they are being imitated, which in turn fosters social engagement and bonding. A study published in PLOS One found that six-month-old infants responded more positively to adults who imitated their actions, suggesting that imitation serves as a social glue, enhancing interactions between infants and caregivers.
Moreover, imitation is closely linked to the development of social cognition. According to a review in Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, infants utilize imitation to understand the actions and intentions of others, laying the groundwork for empathy and complex social interactions later in life. By observing and mirroring their caregivers, babies begin to decode the emotional language of the world around them—creating bonds not just through words but through connection and shared understanding.
These findings underscore the importance of imitation as a tool for learning and socialization, highlighting its role in helping infants decode the behaviors and emotions of those around them.
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Imitation as a building block for emotional intelligence
Imitation is not merely a mechanism for learning physical actions; it plays a pivotal role in the development of a child’s emotional intelligence. By mirroring the behaviors of their caregivers, infants begin to grasp the nuances of emotional expression and social interaction.
When a baby replicates a parent’s actions, such as the gentle “comfort taps” seen in the TikTok video, they are engaging in a form of early empathy. This mirroring allows infants to experience and understand the emotions associated with specific behaviors. A study published in PLOS One found that six-month-old infants not only recognize when they are being imitated but also respond with increased social behaviors, indicating that imitation fosters social engagement and emotional connection.
As a parent, knowing that your baby is absorbing these emotional cues from you can provide comfort, reinforcing that your everyday gestures are building a strong foundation of emotional intelligence.
Furthermore, imitation serves as a foundation for developing empathy. By observing and replicating the emotional expressions of caregivers, infants learn to associate certain actions with specific feelings. This process helps them understand and predict the emotions of others, a critical component of emotional intelligence. Research indicates that this form of social mirroring is essential for developing self-awareness and self-control in infants.
Through these mimicking moments, babies are not just learning to perform actions; they are internalizing the emotional contexts of these actions. This internalization aids in the development of skills such as empathy, emotional regulation, and social understanding, all of which are crucial for healthy emotional development.
These moments not only help your baby understand the world but also lay the groundwork for their ability to navigate emotions, connect with others, and build self-awareness.
How these small moments strengthen attachment
Imitation isn’t just about learning—it’s a key part of bonding. When babies mimic their caregivers, like the gentle “comfort taps” in the TikTok video, they’re engaging in a powerful exchange that deepens their emotional connection.
Responsive parenting, where caregivers react to their baby’s cues with warmth and consistency, fosters secure attachment. According to attachment theory, these early interactions help babies build trust and feel safe, forming the foundation for healthy emotional and social development. By mirroring your emotional responses, you reinforce a deep sense of security for your baby, reassuring them that their feelings are valid and understood.
These tiny moments of imitation serve as non-verbal communication, reinforcing love and security. Even before they can speak, babies use mirroring as a way to engage in social interactions, strengthening their bond with caregivers in a profound way.
Encouraging healthy imitation and bonding
Since babies learn through imitation, parents can nurture this natural instinct in ways that support emotional growth and connection. Simple, everyday interactions help strengthen these early bonds and lay the foundation for emotional intelligence.
By being intentional in how you engage with your baby—through touch, tone, and expression—you’re fostering a deeper connection that builds trust, empathy, and emotional resilience.
Model gentle touch and affection – Just like the comfort taps in the TikTok, responding with warmth teaches babies that touch can be a source of comfort and security.
Use facial expressions and tone of voice – Babies mimic smiles, laughter, and even soothing tones, which helps them learn emotional cues. Research shows that infants as young as a few months old respond positively to caregivers’ expressions, reinforcing social bonds.
Engage in back-and-forth interactions – Clapping games, mirroring gestures, or making silly faces all encourage social engagement and strengthen attachment. Studies suggest that these responsive exchanges are linked to better emotional regulation in children.
By consciously modeling loving and responsive behaviors, parents help shape their baby’s ability to form secure relationships and navigate emotions—starting with these sweet, imitative moments.
The bottom line
A baby’s gentle “comfort taps” may seem small, but they’re a powerful sign of how infants bond, learn, and build emotional intelligence. Through imitation, babies absorb love and connection, reinforcing attachment and developing key social skills. As parents, these moments are a reminder that even the smallest gestures carry deep meaning, helping to create a lasting, loving connection with your child.
Sources:
A study on infant-parent bonding and emotional connection. PLOS ONE. 2020. “Imitation recognition and its prosocial effects in 6-month old infants”
Research on how infants learn through imitation. Psychonomic Bulletin & Review. 2014. “How and why do infants imitate? An ideomotor approach to social and imitative learning in infancy (and beyond)”
Another study on infant-parent bonding and emotional connection. PLOS ONE. 2020. “Imitation recognition and its prosocial effects in 6-month old infants”
Findings on comfort objects and attachment in young children. Frontiers in Psychology. 2017. “Neonatal Imitation: Theory, Experimental Design, and Significance for the Field of Social Cognition”
A recent study on the role of early bonding in childhood development. Child Development Journal. 2024. “The Role of Early Bonding and Attachment in Child Development.”
Insights into the neurological basis of attachment. National Library of Medicine. 2011. “Visual impairment and circadiam rhythm disorders.”
Parent-child interactions and emotional intelligence. International Journal of Research and Analytical Reviews. 2023. “The Impact Of Parenting Styles On Children’s Emotional Regulation And Behavior: A Psychological Study”