EEG electrode arrays are available in many different sizes from newborn to adult. After measuring the head and determining appropriate size, affixing the EEG cap to the infant’s or child’s head requires a tremendous amount of practice, planning, and patience, as well as at least two researchers. Application time varies with the type of EEG technique (cap/gel or net/saline) and the number of electrodes. While an infant sits on mother’s lap it is relatively easy for one research assistant to apply the EEG array as another research assistant continuously entertains and distracts the infant with a wide variety of toys, games, or songs. The “entertainer” is critical to the success of the EEG research study with young participants and should be a research assistant savvy to individual differences in participants’ development and temperament.
