RecruitingInterventional

A UK study exploring whether the BabblePlay app can support early vocalising in infants with Down syndrome

This UK study wants to see if an app called BabblePlay can help babies with Down syndrome make more early sounds, like babbling. These early sounds are really important for learning to talk later on. The app shows colourful shapes when a baby makes a sound, encouraging them to vocalise. Researchers are looking at whether using the app for six weeks can increase the sounds babies make, how much parents talk to their babies, and how many words babies learn by almost one year later. Families can take part from home, and it involves online questionnaires and sometimes recording sounds.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of York

Enrolment target

100

Start

24 Sep 2025

Estimated completion

30 Dec 2026

Down syndrome

What is this study about?

Babies with Down syndrome often take a bit longer to start talking and might make fewer early sounds than other babies. These first sounds, like babbling and cooing, are really important building blocks for learning to speak clearly later in life. If we can encourage these early noises, it might help with their language development in the long run.

This study is looking at a new app called BabblePlay. This app is designed to get babies to make sounds by giving them instant, fun feedback. When a baby makes a noise, the app responds with bright, moving shapes on the screen. If they're quiet, the screen stays dark. The idea is that this encourages babies to keep vocalisng. Previous small studies have shown that babies enjoyed using it and made more sounds while using it, and that families found it easy to use.

Our current study wants to find out if using the BabblePlay app for six weeks actually helps babies with Down syndrome to make more sounds in their daily lives, not just when they are using the app. We also want to see if it encourages parents to talk more to their babies and if it helps babies learn more words about 11 months later. This research is important because it could offer a new way to support language development right from the start.

Key takeaways

A UK study for babies with Down syndrome (7-15 months).
Investigates if the 'BabblePlay' app helps with early vocalising.
Participation is entirely remote, from your home.
Aims to improve early language skills and parent-child interaction.
Small risks, potential benefits of contributing to important research.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for families in the UK with a baby who has Down syndrome. Your baby needs to be between 7 and 15 months old when they join the study.

It's important that your household mainly speaks English. Also, your baby needs to have good enough eyesight to see shapes on a screen. If your baby is participating in another study that helps with speech or language, they won't be able to join this one.

If you have twins or more, they can all take part! We want to make sure the study includes a wide range of families.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Is my baby between 7 and 15 months old?
Does my baby have a diagnosis of Down syndrome?
Do we mainly speak English at home?
Does my baby have good enough vision to see shapes on a screen?
Are we based in the UK?
Is my baby currently *not* in another speech/language study?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, everything is done from your home – you won't need to visit a clinic. You'll fill out some questionnaires online about your child's health and background. We'll also ask you about your baby's current sounds and words. You'll do a home audio recording for up to 15 hours, where we listen to your baby's sounds.

After this, your baby will be put into one of two groups by chance. One group will use the BabblePlay app with their caregiver for 5 minutes, twice a day, for six weeks. The other group will continue with their usual routine. At the end of the six weeks, and again four weeks later, both groups will do another home audio recording. Then, about 11 months after the main study period, we'll ask you to fill out another questionnaire about your child's language development.

Potential risks and benefits

There might be some benefits to joining this study. Babies using the app might enjoy it and get more practice making sounds. Even if your baby isn't in the app group, all families will be helping research that could improve early language support for babies with Down syndrome, which many families find rewarding. The main risks are very small: some babies might not enjoy the app or could get a bit frustrated, and if this happens, you can stop or pause at any time. The app involves very short screen time (about 5 minutes, twice a day for six weeks), which is not expected to cause any problems with your child's development.

Locations (1)

The University of York
Approximate
York, England

Common questions

What is the BabblePlay app?

It's an app designed to encourage babies to make sounds. When the baby makes a noise, colourful shapes appear on the screen.

Do I need to visit a clinic?

No, all parts of the study, including questionnaires and equipment, are managed from your home.

How long does the study last?

The main part with the app or usual routine lasts 6 weeks, but we'll check in again about 11 months later for language development.

Will my baby have to look at a screen a lot?

If your baby is in the app group, they will use it for only 5 minutes, twice a day, for 6 weeks.

Can I stop participating if I want to?

Yes, you are free to stop your involvement in the study at any time without giving a reason.

How to find out more

Tamar Keren-Portnoy

tamar.keren-portnoy@york.ac.uk +44 (0)1904 323614 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.