Understanding how technology use affects mother-infant interactions

Maternal Technology Use During Feeding and Infant Self-Regulation and Growth

NA · California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo · NCT05781100

This study looks at how using phones and other devices while feeding can affect how mothers interact with their babies and how babies learn to manage their emotions and feeding habits.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment345 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorCalifornia Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo (other)
Locations1 site (San Luis Obispo, California)
Trial IDNCT05781100 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the impact of maternal technology use on feeding interactions and emotional regulation in infants. It focuses on how distractions from mobile devices during feeding can affect maternal sensitivity and responsiveness to infant cues. The research aims to explore the relationship between technology use and the development of self-regulation in infants, including their emotional and feeding behaviors. Participants will be mothers in their third trimester of pregnancy who will be followed longitudinally after childbirth.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are mothers in their third trimester of a singleton pregnancy who live within 50 miles of the study location and own a mobile device.

Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit include those with untreated medical or psychiatric conditions affecting interactions or those whose infants are born preterm or with medical conditions that interfere with normal development.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved guidelines for technology use during feeding, enhancing mother-infant interactions and infant development.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific focus on technology use during feeding is novel, previous studies have indicated that maternal engagement is crucial for infant development, suggesting potential for success in this area.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Eligibility Criteria

At the time of recruitment, eligibility criteria for participants will include:

* 18 years of age or older
* In 3rd trimester of singleton pregnancy
* History of healthy, low-risk pregnancy
* Lives within 50 miles of the Cal Poly campus
* Owns a mobile device

After the child is born, eligibility criteria for participants will remain in the study will include:

* Infant was born term (gestational age ≥37 weeks) Exclusion criteria include
* Mother has an untreated medical or psychiatric condition (e.g. bipolar disorder) that could impede study participation or affect mother-infant interaction
* Mother is participating in another interventional study that influences parenting, mother-infant interactions, feeding practices, or technology use
* The mother is unwilling or unable to commit to longitudinal follow-ups of herself or her child
* Infant was born preterm (gestational age \<37 weeks)
* Infant diagnosed with fetal abnormality or medical condition that interferes with oral feeding (e.g., feeding disorder, milk protein allergy) or development
* Infant diagnosed with developmental delay (e.g., Down's syndrome)

Where this trial is running

San Luis Obispo, California

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Mobile Phone Use, Mother-Infant Interaction, Infant Development, Self-Regulation, Emotion, Self-Regulation

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.