How mothers' use of mobile devices affects their wellbeing and their infants' development

Longitudinal associations of maternal mobile device use and maternal-infant wellbeing

NIH-funded research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10851828

This study looks at how using mobile devices affects new moms and their babies, especially how it might change the way moms respond to their little ones' needs, and it’s designed for first-time moms who may be facing challenges.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ann Arbor, United States)
Project IDNIH-10851828 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of maternal mobile device use on both maternal wellbeing and the emotional development of infants. It focuses on how mothers' interactions with their devices may interfere with their ability to respond sensitively to their infants' needs, which is crucial for healthy emotional and behavioral development. The study will involve low-income, first-time mothers and their infants, examining the relationships between device use, maternal mental health, and infant self-regulation. By understanding these dynamics, the research aims to identify strategies to enhance maternal-infant interactions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are low-income, first-time mothers with infants.

Not a fit: Patients who are not first-time mothers or do not have infants may not receive benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for supporting maternal wellbeing and enhancing infant emotional development.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that mobile device use can negatively impact caregiver-child interactions, suggesting that this study's focus is both relevant and timely.

Where this research is happening

Ann Arbor, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.