When a mum sees a picture of her baby smiling, brain activity is triggered in the part of the brain that is linked with pleasure. Brain scan studies prove it!
Well, that's no great surprise, we all like smiling kids don't we?
When the baby reaches three months apparently the bond strengthens. Further studies have shown that if the mum shows signs of fear and the baby sees, then they are likely to mimic the action e.g. widening eyes, even if the trigger is harmless.
Now we know why we love our Mums.
Further reading: The Brain Book by Rita Carter
