Cuddles the gene-altering key to stress-free children —in rats, at least

BABIES that are cuddled and kissed by their mothers may have more chance of growing into stress-free, well-adjusted adults, a new study suggests.

Research with rats indicates affectionate mothering, involving physical contact, alters a stress-regulator gene in the brain.

The effect is that stress hormones are kept under better control, and the change appears to be permanent.