Humanity's evolved nest and its relation to cardiac vagal regulation in the first years of life

Abstract

Background: The Evolved Developmental Niche (EDN) is a millions-year-old developmental system that matches the maturational schedule of the offspring, optimizing health. Every animal has a developmental niche.

Aims: Humanity has fallen away from providing its EDN. Does it matter?

Study design: Several components of humanity's EDN were reviewed (breastfeeding, positive touch, allomothers, responsive care, free play) in relation to cardiac vagal nerve regulation, a signal of healthy development. Focal subjects were young children.

Outcome measures: A review of research on the selected EDN components in relation to vagal nerve function was performed. Data were available for all but the allomother component, which is typically not measured by western researchers, although allomothers provide EDN components alongside parents.

Results: Apart from the lack of research on allomother effects, all these EDN components have been shown to influence cardiac vagal regulation in young children.

Conclusions: Converging evidence suggests that providing the EDN in early life may not only support aspects of a child's primal health system, but bolster capacities for social health and wellness, the cornerstone of a positive life trajectory.

Keywords: Breastfeeding; Cardiac vagal regulation; Evolved Developmental Niche; Play; Responsivity; Touch.