Did you know ...
In the first 3 months, babies can focus on objects that are 8-11 inches away. This is more or less the distance from their parents’ faces while nursing or feeding.
Bold black-and-white images stimulate the development of the optic nerves and encourage young babies cognitive development without over-stimulating them.Â
Appropriate visual stimulation for newborns is the best way to help extend tummy time. It also teaches the muscles of the eyes and the brain to coordinate and function properly.
Engagement with contrasting images, diverse textures and patterns boosts infants learning and focus.
Newborns’ color perception is limited to white, black and shades of grey, because their eyes and capacity for sight are not fully developed at birth. As a result, babies love to look at high-contrast black-and-white patterns, which stand out in their blurry worlds, attracting their attention and helping them focus. Knowing this can help you offer baby the right kind of visual stimulation, which supports the development of sight, but also plays a major role in encouraging cognitive skills and focus of attention
Research has found that simple contrasting patterns generally attract babies’ attention for longer periods of time and, at the same time, help them relax. Here are some tips that will help you offer your baby the right level of stimulation while encouraging the ability to focus.
While baby is focusing on a black-and-white rattle or toy, you can point to the object and name it or gently move it to produce a sound. This can help baby focus.
Bold black-and-white images stimulate the development of the optic nerves. Focusing on such visual stimuli trains newborns’ vision, teaching the eye muscles and brain to coordinate and function properly. you could move the black and white cards or object gently from side to dies to encourage babies tracking.
Place the black-and-white toys around 10 inches away from baby and gradually increase the distance as baby grows. encouraging them to reach pull and grab.
Visual stimulation is one of the best ways to extend tummy time. Tummy time is very important for baby’s development from day one, as it strengthens babies’ back and chest muscles, preparing them for rolling over and crawling.
Here are some free downloadable contrast cards to print at home!
Let me know if you try contrast play with your babies
Love
Elisa xxx