Ask HN: Do you remember when you gained consciousness? What was it like?

I think I might remember 9/11. It was right before my third birthday, and I distinctively remember a weird day in preschool where everybody was panicked and got picked up early, and I was waiting with the teacher until my dad showed up later. Had no idea what had happened or why until 3rd grade, and only connected that memory to 9/11 later on. I asked my parents who picked me up and whether they were late to confirm, and it was my dad who picked me up, and he was late (apparently they were briefing my brothers on not freaking me out).

I think it was just a chill summer day when I was 5 or sth...

Not all conciousness-gaining moments are super climatic

My first memory was meeting my parents for the first time when I was around two (I'm adopted). I don't remember anything before it, probably for the better.

It happens every morning, usually from a cat walking on me, but sometimes from something I hear.

You equate 'consciousness' with the brain's ability to store long term memories. I'm not sure if that definition fits.

Has anyone been able to determine at what age the brain gains this ability? I have a few vague memories from my early childhood, but I can't remember just how old I was when I experienced them.

My first memory is probably around 4-5, when my mom argues with my father, and I tried to help my mom by screaming at my father but then got slapped by my mom. Lol, not a good idea to get into adults’ political game.

Sucking on dem teats. Unforgettable.

yep i had a operation sometime back - i felt very relaxed after coming back.

My first memory is my 3rd birthday and having Grape and Orange Nehi Soda in glass bottles. Blue boy candle holders, 3 of them, on the cake. It rained that day, and I lost my temporary tattoos on the front of the house, and the rain ruined them.

one memory that has stuck was following the builders around my house at age 4 or 5, using my pretend tools to mimic whatever they were doing (they were installing bay doors).