The origins of time: a systematic review of the neural signatures of temporal prediction in infancy

From birth, individuals’ interpersonal dimension is underpinned by progressive learning of social interaction rules, their variations rooted in the temporal prediction of sensory events, and the inferences made about the organization of the social world. How this dimension is progressively structured during infancy and articulated at the neural level is a critical question for cognitive and affective neurosciences. This systematic review aims to define the neural signatures of temporal prediction in newborns and infants and to discuss them in the context of the development of proximal cognitive and affective neural functions. Eight peer-reviewed studies were included, with 228 infants from birth to 9 months of age. Studies have shown that the neural signatures of temporal prediction in infants exhibit a broad cerebral localization, including the anterior and medial parts of the brain, particularly in the frontal and central areas. Temporal prediction mechanisms emerge before birth and range from early sensory-driven responses to more complex top-down processes within the first year of life. While current data do not support a clear longitudinal interpretation, these abilities appear to be shaped by both biological predispositions and experiential factors, with interactive rhythmic and musical activities potentially contributing to their development.