How many times would we be asked to visit?
Most of our studies involve one or two visits to our lab. We might contact you again in the future, to see if you would like to take part in a different study in your baby’s age range.
Would I be with my baby at all times?
Yes. We never ask parents to separate from their babies. 
Would you use invasive procedures?
No. All our studies are non-invasive and enjoyable for infants and parents. In one of our studies, we will use a non-invasive measurement to record heartbeats. Three sticky electrodes are placed on the tummy to record the heartbeat – like a thermometer recording temperature, it does not change anything!
What happens with the data you collect?
The data will be analysed by the members of our research lab so that the results can be presented in scientific articles, books, posters, and talks. Some of the audio/video recordings are used for teaching purposes in scientific meetings. We will always ask for your consent to these things before taking part in a study.
Are my data treated confidentially?
Yes. Video recordings of your baby are identified only by number and will always be processed anonymously. Under no circumstances will the videos be linked to any of the personal information you provide (i.e. names). Your contact details will be stored on University-protected servers managed by our IT team. We will never share your contact details with third parties.
Will you be able to tell me how my baby is developing?
Our studies examine babies as a group because we are interested in overall patterns. We cannot identify individual babies development based on this kind of work.
Is my baby supposed to display a particular behaviour in your study?
Our projects are not designed to examine particular behaviours, so there is no “right” or “wrong” behaviour. Babies show a range of behaviours in our studies, all of which are informative and interesting.
Are there studies for older children too?
At this time, we are focusing on infants between the ages of about 0-16 months. If we design studies for older children, we can contact you in the future.
Would anybody be watching my other children during the study?
Yes, a research assistant who is experienced in looking after children would be attending to them while they play in the waiting room.
We just adopted our baby and don’t have all the information that you request.
That is just fine. Whatever information you have would be great.
Does it matter if one or both parents work at the University?
No, this does not affect our studies.
We don’t have access to a car/can’t drive or use public transport.
Please ask our research assistants for assistance with travel to the lab. For some of our studies, we are able to make alternative arrangements for those families who cannot make use of a car or public transport.
Is the Baby Lab wheelchair accessible?
The Baby Lab is located on the ground floor, and the toilets/baby changing room are too.