Developing effective recruitment strategies for young infants

The purpose of this study was to explore researchers’ perspectives on the challenges and strategies associated with recruiting infants for non-invasive experiments. Nine researchers participated in semi-structured interviews. The interviews were analyzed using a grounded theory approach. Access was cited as a major challenge to recruitment. Successful strategies involved forming positive relationships with participants, hospitals, and community partners. Those who agreed to participate were often of high socioeconomic status or had a connection to McMaster University. Interviewed researchers believed that collaborating with colleagues, communicating directly with new mothers, and establishing partnerships with individuals in related professional fields were all effective in facilitating infant recruitment. As recruiting infants for non-invasive studies remains challenging, this study aims to assist researchers in finding successful strategies.