The Sussex Baby Lab

If you have a little one between 0 and 12 months, there’s a unique opportunity happening right here in Brighton to contribute to real scientific research. The team at The Sussex Baby Lab is running a fascinating, non-invasive study focused on understanding how babies perceive the world. They are essentially trying to answer the age-old question: What exactly captures your baby’s attention? This isn't just a quick visit; it’s a chance for your baby to become an official 'Baby Scientist' by participating in their eye-tracking research.

The laboratory is particularly interested in exploring whether babies are naturally drawn to patterns found in nature, like the shapes of leaves, clouds, or ocean waves. The study itself is designed to feel like a simple game for the baby. It involves non-invasive eye-tracking technology while the infant watches a series of natural scenes—similar to watching TV. By tracking the movement of their eyes, researchers gain crucial insights into how infants process visual information and begin to make sense of their surroundings.

If you’re interested in taking part, the study is based at the University of Sussex, specifically at the Sussex House Southern Ring Road (BN1 9RH). This research project is running for several months, starting this Wednesday, January 28, 2026, and continuing until June 1, 2026. Note that the specific appointment times vary, so you’ll need to check availability.

The best part is that participation is completely free. This is a genuine opportunity to help advance scientific understanding without any cost involved. As a thank you for contributing to the lab’s work, every participating baby receives a sensory book, a cute little T-shirt, and a certificate officially naming them a 'Baby Scientist'. If you want to learn more or schedule a visit for your infant, you can contact the lab directly at 01273 606 755. It sounds like a fun, low-stress way to spend an hour while contributing to some interesting local research.