Toddlers are very challenging in the EEG lab. Depending on the child, EEG application occurs while the toddler either sits on mother’s lap or in a high chair near mother. Snacking on crackers and watching an animated video with a research assistant facilitates this process. Some toddlers may need additional distraction with musical or electronic toys. Playing a computer game with the research assistant sufficiently distracts most preschoolers to allow electrode placement and preparation, although preschoolers are definite in their opinions about whether they wish to contribute EEG data. By middle childhood, participants enjoy chatting with the research assistant during cap placement, especially while sitting in front of a mirror.
