The Cambridge Baby Study

What we want to find out

This study aims to explore whether there are sex differences in newborn social attention. We will also explore how these early attentional preferences relate to parental characteristics and future developmental outcomes. 

Why we’re doing this research

Past research has shown that there are on-average sex differences in behaviour and cognition. For example, on average, females show advantages in understanding and responding to other people’s emotions (i.e. “empathising”), whereas males show advantages in understanding systems or patterns (i.e. “systemising”). These on-average differences can appear very early in development.  

Connellan et al. (2000) found that female newborns tend to look longer at faces, whereas male newborns tend to look longer at non-face objects. This study will assess the replicability of these findings.  

We are also exploring whether early looking preferences are linked with parental characteristics and future outcomes. 

Method

We assessed 130 babies at the Rosie Maternity Hospital in the first two days after they were born to see whether they looked longer at faces or objects.  

We will follow up with the same infants when they reach 18 months old to assess future characteristics and developmental outcomes. 

Community engagement

Prior to conducted the study, we consulted group of mothers who had recently given birth. The aim of these sessions was to ensure the study procedures were as feasible as possible for the participating families. The mothers reviewed the design and procedures of the study and provided their input based on their postpartum experiences, and changes were made accordingly. 

Potential impact

This study seeks to address a fundamental question: whether behavioural and cognitive sex differences are primarily due to upbringing or are partially present from birth. While previous research has offered insights (e.g. in newborn gaze preference), assessing the replicability of these early findings is important. 

Many neurodevelopmental and psychiatric conditions show differences in how often they occur and how they present in males and females. A deeper understanding of early sex differences could provide a better understanding of these disparities. 

Results

We anticipate sharing the results in early 2026. When ready, the key findings will be shared on this page. 

Funding

Staff:

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