Perceiving one's own body: Babies sense their heartbeat and breathing

Body signals such as heartbeat and breathing accompany us constantly, often unnoticed as background noise of our perception. Even in the earliest years of life, these signals are important as they contribute to the development of self-awareness and identity. However, until know little has been known about whether and how babies can perceive their own body signals. A recent study demonstrates for the first time that babies as young as 3 months can perceive their own heartbeat.

Body signals such as heartbeat and breathing accompany us constantly, often unnoticed as background noise of our perception. Even in the earliest years of life, these signals are important as they contribute to the development of self-awareness and identity. However, until know little has been known about whether and how babies can perceive their own body signals. A recent study demonstrates for the first time that babies as young as 3 months can perceive their own heartbeat.

Read more https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250407114230.htm