Babylab

Studying the earliest years

We create fun studies that help us discover:

• How the brain processes social stimuli. Using techniques such as near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) we examine which brain areas respond to social stimuli such as a talking face or a slow caress.
• How babies learn about their own bodies. Using methods such as electroencephalography (EEG) we study the way infants integrate information coming from different senses (e.g., touch and vision).
• When babies start to realise that sentences are made of a collection of words. Using eye-tracking techniques we measure infants’ looking behaviours to find out when they start to realise that sentences are made of a collection of words.
• The effects of prenatal and postnatal mood on baby development. In collaboration with Babybrains we assess the effects of attending parent education classes.

If you are pregnant or have a baby or a child under 3 years old, and you are interested in taking part in our research please sign up.

You can view FAQs for more information about visiting Babylab. You can also give us a call on 07949 005 933, send us an email at babylab@essex.ac.uk, or send us a private message through our Facebook page.

We are very grateful for your support – without your participation we would not be able complete our projects and make new discoveries that help increase our understanding of cognitive and social development in the first few years of life.

We always welcome applications from keen students interested in working on infant and child development. See Meet the Team to learn more about us and check out join the team for more information about joining the Essex Babylab.

Follow us on Twitter or Facebook for regular updates about the Babylab and the latest research on child development.