iBaby: A Research Study for Pregnant Women
Researchers at California Polytechnic State University are conducting a study in San Luis Obispo County and Northern Santa Barbara County with English and Spanish speaking pregnant women. Help us better understand how to support today’s families in promoting healthy infant growth, development, and family interactions.
Fast Facts
Pregnant Individuals Ages 18+
In 3rd Trimester with One Baby
Compensation
Provided
San Luis Obispo County & Northern Santa Barbara County
Study Background
The iBaby Study: Investigating Baby Behavior and FamilY Technology Use Study
This research study aims to explore how technology in families affects how babies grow and learn. The study will last for 18 months and will carefully watch how different types of technology used at home influence how babies eat and grow.
To get a complete picture, the study is reaching out to all kinds of families, including English and Spanish speakers, and regardless of how much technology they use. It’s not about meeting specific technology requirements; instead, the focus is on understanding how families adopt and use technology in their everyday lives.
The only thing you need to join the study is a smartphone or tablet, so everyone has a chance to participate. Through this thorough investigation, the iBaby Study aims to reveal the complex relationship between how families use technology and the early development of children.
Study Background
The iBaby Study: Investigating Baby Behavior and FamilY Technology Use Study
This research study aims to explore how technology in families affects how babies grow and learn. The study will last for 18 months and will carefully watch how different types of technology used at home influence how babies eat and grow.
To get a complete picture, the study is reaching out to all kinds of families, including English and Spanish speakers, and regardless of how much technology they use. It’s not about meeting specific technology requirements; instead, the focus is on understanding how families adopt and use technology in their everyday lives.
The only thing you need to join the study is a smartphone or tablet, so everyone has a chance to participate. Through this thorough investigation, the iBaby Study aims to reveal the complex relationship between how families use technology and the early development of children.
Additional Information
California Polytechnic State University researchers are conducting this study aimed at gaining a deeper understanding of how to assist modern families in fostering healthy infant growth, development, and family interactions.
You may qualify for a study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages 18+
- Currently pregnant with one baby (singleton)
- Currently in the third trimester of pregnancy (29-42 weeks along)
- Speak English or Spanish
- Live in San Luis Obispo County or Northern Santa Barbara County
- Have not experienced significant health issues during pregnancy
- Not currently participating in other studies on parenting practices or technology use
- Able to commit to the study for the next 18 months (e.g., no plans to move to another city)
Throughout the length of this study, participants will engage in a series of in-person assessments; one during the mother’s third trimester of pregnancy, and then when the baby is 1-2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months old.
For all visits, research assistants will visit the family’s home for 1-2 hours per visit. During these visits, research assistants will assess the mother’s mobile device and technology use and markers of the mother’s and infant’s health. We will also observe mother-infant feeding and social interactions.
The mother will be asked to fill out surveys about her family, emotions, feeding practices; her baby’s behavior and development, and her relationship with her baby.
We provide compensation at each assessment based on what part of the study was completed.
Participants will receive up to $490, which includes $55 at the prenatal visit, $105 at the 1-2-month and 4-month visits, $75 at the 6-month visit, $45 at the 9-month visit, and $105 at the 12-month visit.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.