A new study from the University of Portsmouth finds that babies as young as 2 months old change their body posture in anticipation of a cuddle.

Researchers found that the young infants held still and stiff, making it easier to be picked up, when moms reached toward the babies with arms outstretched.

The researchers believe this is evidence that infants understand another person’s actions — so far as it relates to them — earlier than was the common belief. They also wonder if this could help lead to earlier diagnosis of autism or other developmental problems.