BaBES: Baby Brain Emotion Study – Infants Ages 0-3 Months

STUDY BASICS

Are you the mother/caregiver of an infant age 0-3 months? If so, you and your baby may be able to participate in a research study to help learn more about the ways in which infants’ emotions are connected to areas of the brain and how parenting behaviors might affect these connections. Compensation provided.

STUDY PURPOSE

During the first months of life, a young child’s brain develops rapidly. The purpose of this study is to help researchers learn more about the ways in which infants’ emotions are connected to areas of the brain and how parenting behaviors might affect these connections. Researchers hope their findings will lead to a better understanding of emotional problems in children in the future.

COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOUR CHILD?

• Infant aged 0-3 months old
• Infant was born full term (at least 37 weeks) and not premature (born at less than 37 weeks)
• Infant’s birthweight was more than 5.5 pounds
• Infant has not been in the hospital for any physical health issues, including neurological issues
• Infant does not have any metal in their body (no fresh aneurysm clips, or non-removable ferromagnetic material)
• Mother/caregiver did not use illicit substances during pregnancy and is not using them now
• Mother/caregiver spends at least 2 hours per day caring for the infant

WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT

After an initial phone call to find out if you and your baby are eligible to participate, you will have 5 visits during your baby’s first 18 months of life. Some visits will take place in your home, and some will take place at the research facilities. Mothers/caregivers will complete interviews and will be filmed playing with their child. Infants will have two MRI scans while sleeping. MRI scans are not invasive and do not use radiation.