From time immemorial, mothers have carried their babies in their arms as a natural way to protect, nurture, and soothe them. However, recent scientific research suggests that the side on which the baby is held can have significant implications for their development.
One of the most surprising findings comes from neuroscience. A study conducted by the University of Sussex in 2012 discovered that most mothers preferred to carry their babies on the left side. This preference, which is not exclusive to humans, also occurs in other mammal species (Scola & Vauclair, 2010).
But why does this happen? The answer may lie in how our brain is structured. The right hemisphere of the brain, which controls the left side of the body, is responsible for processing emotions and social information. Therefore, carrying a baby on the left side could facilitate a deeper emotional connection between the mother and the child, helping the mother better understand and respond to the baby's needs (Vauclair & Scola, 2009).
On the other hand, carrying the baby on the left side also has benefits for the heart. A study published in the journal "Nature" in 2017 found that babies who are carried on the left side of the mother's body can hear the mother's heartbeat better. This constant "heartbeat music" can have a soothing and regulating effect on the baby, similar to how the mother's heartbeat calms the baby in the womb (Esposito et al., 2017).
In addition, a 2018 study published in the journal "Cell" revealed that carrying the baby on the left side can help promote better digestion. The baby's stomach is mainly located towards the left side of the body, so carrying the baby in this way can help facilitate digestion and reduce gastroesophageal reflux (Van der Zee et al., 2018).
In summary, while carrying a baby is an intuitive act of love and care, science suggests that doing so on the left side can offer additional benefits for both mother and child. From fostering a deeper emotional connection to facilitating the baby's digestion and soothing them with the mother's heartbeat, there are many reasons why you should consider carrying your baby on the left side.
References:
- Esposito, G., et al. (2017). Infant Calming Responses during Maternal Carrying in Humans and Mice. Current Biology, 27(9), 1235-1242.
- Scola, C., & Vauclair, J. (2010). Lateralization of holding in women, men and girls. Laterality, 15(1-2), 153-175.
- Vauclair, J., & Scola, C. (2009). Lateralization of holding in infants during the first semester of life and family left-handedness. Infant Behavior and Development, 32(1), 36-43.
- Van der Zee, E., et al. (2018). The Right Side of the Stomach: Leftward Bias of Gastric Distension in Human Brain Processing. Cell Reports, 25(5), 1226-1234.
