How mothers' use of technology during feeding affects infant growth and self-regulation

Maternal technology use during feeding and infant self-regulation and growth

NIH-funded research California Poly State U San Luis Obispo · NIH-11030845

This study looks at how using smartphones while feeding can affect how babies learn to manage their feelings and eat properly, and it’s for moms who want to understand how their tech habits might influence their little ones' growth and emotional health.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCalifornia Poly State U San Luis Obispo NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Luis Obispo, United States)
Project IDNIH-11030845 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how mothers' use of technology, like smartphones, during feeding impacts their infants' ability to self-regulate emotions and caloric intake. It focuses on the interactions between mothers and infants during feeding times, assessing how distractions from technology may affect the quality of these interactions. The study will track changes in technology use from pregnancy through the first year of the infant's life and evaluate its effects on infant growth and emotional development. By understanding these dynamics, the research aims to provide insights into improving feeding practices and infant health.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are mothers who are pregnant or have infants aged 0-12 months.

Not a fit: Patients who are not mothers or do not have infants within the specified age range may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved feeding practices that enhance infant emotional and physical development.

How similar studies have performed: While the impact of technology on parenting has been explored, this specific focus on feeding interactions and infant self-regulation is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

San Luis Obispo, 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 2026-06-10 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.