Exploring how babies experience touch and how it shapes toddler development

The SENSE Study

Is a collaboration between UCL, UCL Hospital, and Birkbeck, investigating how full-term and preterm babies (born before 37 weeks) respond to touch — one of the earliest ways we explore the world. We’re looking at how these early experiences influence brain development, behaviour, and sensory skills into toddlerhood.

What’s involved?

Families visit us at the Birkbeck Babylab for a fun 3–4-hour session, where we use EEG (safe brainwave recording) and play-based tasks to learn about your child’s responses to touch, sound, and toys.

Who can take part?

We’re inviting families with children who are around 18 months old, born full-term or preterm. We’ll follow up again at 30 months.

Some families were seen as newborns, but we’re also welcoming new participants! Equally, if you have a younger preterm born baby, get in touch to join for our 6- and 12-month questionnaire timepoints.