Doctor Warns This One Reaction Will Shape How Babies Develop: ‘Dangerous'
A doctor on TikTok is sparking discussion among parents after she warned that subtle reactions-especially in moments of stress-may shape how babies learn to respond to the world around them.
The clip, shared by Dana Figura, a podiatrist known online as footdocdana, builds on a stitched video originally posted by creator Ku’uipo Dawn.
‘Social referencing’
In the video watched 1.4 million times in four days, Figura explains how infants rely on a concept known as "social referencing," where they look to caregivers for cues on how to react in unfamiliar situations.
The original video shows a baby repeatedly glancing at their mother's face as she washes dishes and splashes water, prompting Figura to note that even before their first birthday, children begin interpreting emotional signals from parents to determine whether something is safe or threatening.
"This is proof that your kids' reactions are based on yours," Figura says in the video, adding that a parent's visible fear or calmness can shape whether a child becomes distressed.
The discussion aligns with existing research into early childhooddevelopment.
One study cited in the video, published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, found that while acute maternal stress did not directly alter infant stress responses in a controlled setting, the quality of caregiving behavior was linked to lower levels of infant crying and reduced cortisol levels.
The findings suggest that how a parent interacts with a child-rather than stress alone-plays a key role in shaping infant responses.
Broader research into chronic stress in children also supports the idea that early environments can influence long-term development.
Don’t Panic
According to a review published by the National Institute of Nursing Research of the National Institutes of Health, prolonged exposure to stress can affect brain development and physiological systems, particularly during early childhood when sensitivity to environmental cues is heightened.
Figura's video highlights everyday scenarios to illustrate the concept. If a toddler falls and a parent reacts with visible panic, the child may interpret the situation as dangerous and begin to cry. By contrast, a calm response may signal that the situation is manageable, potentially reducing distress.
The video also points to research suggesting that infants can pick up on parental stress even when they do not directly witness the cause. Studies have shown that as early as six months old, babies may experience increases in heart rate and cortisol levels when their caregivers are stressed, though findings on direct "stress contagion" remain mixed.
The TikTok video has drawn more than 170,000 reactions, with viewers reflecting on their own parenting approaches and childhood experiences amid almost 400 comments.
"I love motherhood when done right," one fan shared.
Another remarked on the baby's wary behavior in the video, saying, "She's like… do we like this?"
‘I think I over corrected’
Other folks on the forum shared personal anecdotes about how they respond to their children in similar situations and how it has affected their development.
"I think I over corrected, [because] anytime my child fell, I would tell her it’s OK and when she stood up, I always say good job,” a parent admitted.
“Now anytime she's upset, she says good job."
While experts emphasize that no single moment determines a child's future, the research suggests that consistent patterns of caregiving-particularly calm, responsive behavior-can shape how children learn to process stress and navigate their environment over time.
Newsweek has reached out to footdocdana for comment via TikTok. We could not verify the details of the case.
Newsweek's reporters and editors used Martyn, our Al assistant, to help produce this story. Learn more about Martyn.
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This story was originally published April 14, 2026 at 7:00 PM.