The Development of Reward Response to Food in Infancy

The Development of Reward Response to Food in Infancy

In this study the researchers want to learn more about reward-driven eating behavior in children ages 2 to 18 months. The researchers hope to use this knowledge to help inform obesity prevention programs.

The study will comprise two arms and each arm has a different time perspective. The longitudinal arm is prospective in nature and the cross-sectional arm has a cross-sectional time perspective. The video observation is completed at a single time point (although standardized by inclusion criteria).

For the Longitudinal Arm:

Inclusion Criteria

• Baby is alive

• Baby is 6 to 16 weeks old at time of enrollment

• Baby and mother receive care at Michigan Medicine, and specifically:

  • Baby was born at Michigan medicine
  • Baby has had a 2 month well child check
  • Mother received prenatal care at Michigan Medicine
  • Mother has a linked patient profile to baby's profile
  • Baby has a length and weight measurement on record

• Mother is English speaking

Exclusion Criteria

• Baby is a foster child
• Baby was still in hospital 4 days after birth
• Baby has severe perinatal or neonatal medical problems
• Baby has severe developmental delays
• Multiple births

For the Cross Sectional:

Inclusion Criteria

• Enrolled in longitudinal arm of study
• Eligible to complete all three protocols (Two Oatmeal and Reaching) as per protocol screeners
• Baby is alive
• Baby is 5 to 7 months old at the time of enrollment
• Mother is biological mother
• Mother is legal guardian
• Mother is English speaking

Exclusion Criteria

• Baby had severe perinatal or neonatal medical problems
• Baby currently has severe medical problems
• Baby has severe developmental delays
• Mom had severe complications during pregnancy
• Multiple Births
• Food allergies