BOOST-3: Boosting baby communication and play
Becoming a parent brings huge changes, especially when managing mental health conditions like anxiety or depression. The BOOST-3 study is testing a supportive programme called VIPP-PMH to help parents feel closer to their babies, build confidence, and reduce worries about parenting. Half of the parents taking part will receive video play sessions alongside their standard NHS perinatal mental health care. The other half will continue with their standard NHS care alone. A computer chooses the groups at random. During the sessions, a trained specialist films brief clips of parent and baby playing together. They then look at the video together, focusing on positive moments and helping the parent spot their baby's signals. The study is open to parents with babies aged 3 to 12 months who are currently using NHS perinatal mental health services in England.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Having a baby brings great joy, but it can also be an overwhelming time. When a parent experiences mental health difficulties, such as low mood, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress, it can shake their confidence. It is very common for parents to worry about being judged, feel self-critical, or find it hard to feel an emotional bond with their new baby.
The BOOST-3 study is testing an adapted programme called VIPP-PMH (Video-feedback Intervention to promote Positive Parenting and Sensitive Discipline for Perinatal Mental Health). This programme uses short video clips of parents playing with their babies. A trained professional watches the clips with the parent to gently highlight what is going well and help them understand what their baby is trying to communicate.
Researchers want to see whether these video sessions improve parent confidence, strengthen the bond between parent and child, and support the baby's long-term mental wellbeing. By comparing families who receive the sessions with those receiving standard NHS care alone, this trial will help the NHS understand how best to support parents and babies during the crucial first year of life.
Key takeaways
- BOOST-3 tests a video play programme designed to support the parent-baby bond.
- Open to mothers and birthing parents using NHS perinatal mental health services with babies aged 3 to 12 months.
- Half of participants receive video feedback sessions plus standard care, while half receive standard care alone.
- No medications are tested, and all participants keep their regular NHS mental health support.
- Taking part is voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time.
Who may be eligible?
This study is open to mothers and birthing parents aged 16 to 65 who are currently being supported by an NHS community perinatal mental health team or parent-infant mental health service. To join, you must have parental responsibility for a baby aged between 3 and 12 months and have regular, unsupervised contact with them.
You may be able to take part if you are experiencing moderate to severe mental health difficulties. This includes conditions such as major depression, generalised anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or personality disorder. You should also feel that you are experiencing some difficulties in your relationship with your baby, such as struggling to bond or finding it hard to read your baby's signals.
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.
- I am a mother or birthing parent aged between 16 and 65.
- I have a baby aged between 3 and 12 months old.
- I am currently receiving care from an NHS perinatal or parent-infant mental health team.
- I am living with moderate to severe anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, or a personality disorder.
- I feel I am finding it difficult to bond with or understand my baby's cues.
What does participation involve?
Taking part lasts several months and will not replace your usual mental health treatment. A computer randomly decides whether you receive the video play sessions along with your usual NHS care, or your usual care alone. If you are placed in the video group, a trained professional will visit to record short clips of you and your baby playing, then sit with you to review positive moments. Everyone in the study will complete questionnaires about how they are feeling and take part in recorded play sessions at set times so researchers can track progress. There are no study medications involved.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- -Approximate-, England
Common questions
Will taking part affect my normal NHS care?
No. You will continue to receive all of your usual care from your NHS mental health team, no matter which study group you are in.
Do I have to pay to be in the study?
No. The study is completely free and funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).
What happens if I feel self-conscious being filmed?
Many parents feel nervous at first. The sessions are private, supportive, and strictly focused on praising your strengths rather than criticising your parenting.
How does the study choose which group I am in?
A computer selects your group at random, like flipping a coin. This ensures the trial is fair and gives reliable results.
Can I stop taking part if I change my mind?
Yes. You are free to leave the study at any point without giving a reason, and your medical care will not change.
How to find out more
Kirsten Barnicot
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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