The BabyMIND study uses baby-friendly brain imaging techniques to explore how infants process social and sensory information. Our research focuses on understanding how babies’ brains use energy in response to social interactions and sensory experiences, whether they are playing with a researcher or watching social videos. By combining multiple methods, we can learn more about how babies’ brains develop, how they grow, and how different regions of the brain take on specialized roles.
If you would like to take part in our BabyMIND study or you would like further information, email us at: cbcd-babymindstudy@bbk.ac.uk
Who can take part:
Babies between 4 and 7 months of age who do not have possible hearing impairment, serious birth complications, or a serious medical illness, congenital abnormality, or certain genetic syndromes.
What will happen during the BabyMIND visit?
Your visit will include two parts, and you are very welcome to take part in just the first session if you prefer.
1st session: Babylab (bNIRS-EEG session)
You and your baby will first visit our Babylab for a bNIRS-EEG session. During this session, your baby will wear a soft, specially designed cap that gently holds the sensors used to measure brain activity.
The cap is safe and comfortable, and many babies adapt to it very quickly. While wearing the cap, your baby will watch images and short movies on a screen, listen to different sounds, and play simple games with one of our friendly researchers. We always follow your baby’s pace, and you are welcome to stay close and take breaks whenever needed.
Families are welcome to participate in this first session only, if they don’t wish to to participate in the MRI scan (second session).
2nd session: MRI scanning session
The second part of the study is a 30-minute scanning session that takes place while your baby is naturally asleep.
This session is held at the Birkbeck and UCL Centre for Neuroimaging (BUCNI).
We will work with you to schedule the visit at a time that fits with your baby’s usual sleep routine. Our team will make sure the environment is calm, quiet, and comfortable for both you and your baby.
Below is a short video showing our BabyMIND session!
Hear from one of our Baby MIND families about their experience taking part in the study and helping us learn more about how babies’ brains grow and develop.
If you would like to take part in our BabyMIND study or you would like further information, email us at: cbcd-babymindstudy@bbk.ac.uk