Behavioral Responses to Sucrose as an Indicator of Positive Hedonic Response Across the First Six Months of Infancy

Abstract

Behavioral responses to sucrose provide an index of positive hedonic response in newborns. In 118 infants, the current study used repeated assessments to explore behavioral responses to sucrose solutions (24%/50% sucrose) compared to water across the first six months of infancy. Lip smacking and bringing fingers to mouth are more likely to occur in response to 24% sucrose relative to water. Tongue protrusions are also more likely to occur for 50% sucrose relative to water. Behavioral responses to sucrose may provide an index of positive hedonic response and could be used to investigate individual differences in the first six months of infancy.

Keywords: Hedonic; Infancy; Reward; Sucrose.