What is a common effect on babies when their mothers are depressed?

When mothers experience depression, it can significantly impact their babies' developmental outcomes. One of the most notable effects is the potential for delayed speech and cognitive development. This is primarily due to the mother's emotional state influencing her interactions with the baby. Depressed mothers may engage less with their infants, exhibit fewer positive emotional responses, and have reduced communication, all of which are crucial for the baby's language and cognitive milestones.

Research indicates that the quality of maternal-infant interaction is fundamental for the development of these skills. Babies learn through social interactions, and when their mothers are unable to participate fully in these interactions due to depression, it can hinder their speech and cognitive progress. This delay can manifest in slower acquisition of language skills and difficulties with problem-solving and understanding concepts as the child grows.

The other options, which suggest enhanced speech development, improved attention span, or increased eye contact, do not align with established findings in the field of infant development in relation to maternal mental health. When mothers are disengaged or less responsive due to depression, these positive developmental indicators are typically compromised rather than enhanced.