Effects of Enriched Parent-Infant Interaction on Health in Early Life

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are exploring how enriched parent-infant interactions through music and reading may influence early life physical and mental health. This study focuses on infants aged 0 to 4 months and examines how low-cost, easy-to-use interventions like infant-directed singing, passive music listening, and book reading can support infant mood, sleep quality, and parental well-being. The study is a Phase II randomized trial aiming to understand how these interventions affect families, especially those who are socio-economically disadvantaged or first-time parents. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of four groups: a singing intervention where parents engage in weekly smartphone-based music classes with their infants; a music listening group receiving curated playlists for passive listening; a book reading group provided with interactive reading materials and videos; or a no-intervention control group. The singing intervention involves active engagement with songs and movements, while the other groups focus on either passive music exposure or enriched reading activities, all delivered via smartphone apps over 20 weeks. During the 8-month study, families will participate in text message surveys and complete questionnaires to track infant distress recovery, mood, and sleep quality, along with parent mood, mental health, and parenting confidence. Data will also be collected on family context and parent-infant attachment. Researchers will analyze these health outcomes and engagement levels to assess the effects of each intervention compared to no treatment. The study includes follow-up assessments at weeks 25-26 and 31-32 to monitor lasting impacts.

Effects of Enriched Parent-Infant Interaction on Health in Early Life