Yes, babies absolutely can sense their mother's presence, even when sleeping.
This ability stems from the sensory experiences they have even before birth. Specifically, the reference highlights the importance of smell:
- The amniotic fluid in the womb carries scents derived from the mother's diet and environment. (02-Apr-2024)
This exposure prenatally allows the baby to become familiar with and recognize their mother's unique scent profile. Therefore, even when sleeping, a baby is likely able to detect the mother's presence through this familiar and comforting scent.