Reading to babies: a surprising boost for tiny hearts and brains?

NCT ID NCT05004857

Ongoing Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Tulane University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This pilot study from Tulane University tests whether a mother reading aloud to her newborn can positively affect the baby's autonomic nervous system. One healthy newborn and mother will have their heart activity measured during reading sessions. The goal is to see if live reading increases vagal tone, a sign of calm and healthy nervous system function.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: book reading
What this could lead to: If successful, this could show that reading to newborns has measurable physiological benefits, supporting its use in neonatal care.
What could go wrong: This is a very small pilot study with only one participant, so results may not apply to other babies. It only measures short-term changes, not long-term outcomes.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

autonomic nervous system disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM DISEASES

Contacts and locations

Locations

Tulane University Health Sciences Center

New Orleans, Louisiana, 70112, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.