Infant and Child Development Lab

Childhood research at Lancaster University: Growing Minds, Big Discoveries

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A baby with an EEG cap on playing with some toys

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Welcome to the Infant and Child Development Lab

Welcome to the Infant and Child Development Lab (ICDL), formerly the Lancaster Babylab. As our research has expanded to include children from prenatal stages through to adolescence, we felt it was time for a name that reflects our broader focus – infants and children.

At the ICDL, we investigate how children grow, learn, and thrive, exploring topics like prenatal development with 4D ultrasounds, language acquisition from sounds and words to sentences and understanding others, hearing, cognitive development, social interactions, and the challenges of adolescence.

Get involved!

We invite families—from expectant parents to those with children up to 14 years old—to join our research community. By signing up for our database, you’ll be notified when a study matches your child’s age and other relevant criteria. Most studies involve just one visit to Lancaster University and typically last less than an hour. We always provide clear information about what to expect.

Register for a study

Our testimonials

A baby with an eeg cap on

August 2024

"Absolutely enjoyed our participation in the study today - though Nell was a bit unsure on the headband (though she hates hats generally anyway)! Would love to take part in more future research. The team were super friendly and lovely."

Jemma, August 2024

A child in a ballpit

July 2024

"Massive thank you we thoroughly enjoyed our visits for the last 7 weeks!"

Lisa, July 2024

Erin wearing an EEG cap

September 2024

"Erin and I thoroughly enjoyed attending the ICLD this morning! Everybody was extremely helpful and friendly, offering to make tea or coffee, and the study was really interesting. My daughter was engaged and happy throughout the study. We even had the added bonus of receiving a free book and t-shirt for taking part!"

Sophie, September 2024

Ivy participating in an experiment run by Sophie Lund

October 2024

Hannah's daughter Ivy really enjoyed participating in the experiment run by researcher Sophie Lund!

Wilbur sat on the knee of a researcher looking at a screen

October 2024

Wilbur also really enjoyed participating in the experiments too!

Our Events

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Latest news

Baby playing with laptop

Exploring baby curiosity: Lancaster study reveals how infants actively sample new information

Lancaster researchers used gaze-contingent eye-tracking to study how infants explore unfamiliar animal-like categories based on curiosity. Findings show babies alternate between focusing on one category and exploring another, with individual differences influencing learning patterns.
Professor Monaghan being interviewed for ITV

ITV Interview Psychology professor on children’s social media and technology use

ITV's Lake District & South Cumbria Reporter, Fiona Paterson, visited the Infant & Child Development Lab (formerly known as the BabyLab) at Lancaster University for an interview with Professor Padraic Monaghan. 
An experimenter playing with a toddler and the boxes

How do toddlers transfer information to others?

Academics within Lancaster’s Psychology Department have been examining how toddlers share information with other people, finding that younger children are less particular about the types of details they share.
Imag shows the executive report editors Dr AmyAtkinson (left) and Professor Uta Papen

Urgent action needed to ensure children with SEND receive support they need

The system that is supposed to support children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is ‘broken’, says a new Child of the North report edited by Lancaster University researchers.
Dr Marina Bazhydai, Psychology Department and Joanne Daly, Lancaster University Pre-School Centre

Scientists support creation of engaging teaching resources with Morecambe Bay Curriculum 

Scientists at Lancaster University have been working with the Morecambe Bay Curriculum to empower young people to learn about their local environment.  
Pint of science logo, pint of beer with glasses and brain

‘Pint of Science’ to quench thirst for knowledge in Morecambe and Lancaster

From the social experiences of babies in the womb to discovering what it’s like to live and work in one of Earth’s most extreme environments – these are just some of the fascinating subjects people can hear about at this year’s Morecambe and Lancaster ‘Pint of Science’ event.

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