Why are Black and White images good for babies?
When babies are born, their retinas are still developing, making their vision blurry and limited to shades of black, white, and grey. They can only focus on objects 20-30cm from their face. In this fuzzy world, high-contrast images, particularly black and white, naturally capture a baby’s attention. These bold visuals stimulate their vision and are highly effective in promoting early visual and brain development.
As babies grow, their ability to see colours improves, but black and white visuals still offer developmental benefits. They support focus, coordination, and fine motor skills.
With our range of black and white products, you can support your baby's development at every stage of their growth. From newborn to 24 months old, our black and white toys, books, and muslins provide a range of activities and experiences that can help to develop your baby's vision, hand-eye coordination, and fine motor skills. Here’s how to use black and white sensory play at different stages of your baby’s growth:
Newborn to 3 Months: Focus and Early Vision
At this stage, babies are especially drawn to high-contrast images. Introduce black and white toys, books, or cards to help them focus during tummy time. This not only helps develop their vision but also strengthens neck and upper body muscles. A self-standing tummy time book such as our Welcome To The World Little One is perfect.
3-5 Months: Visual Tracking and Coordination
As your baby’s curiosity grows, they start following moving objects. Black and white mobiles or hanging toys are great for helping them track with their eyes. Babies also begin developing hand-eye coordination, so introducing black and white toys they can reach for and grab will keep their attention and build grip strength.
5-8 months: Depth Perception and Motor Skills
At around 5-8 months, babies begin to develop depth perception, a better sense of colour and the ability to move objects from one hand to the other. They also develop the capacity to concentrate on objects alongside their fingers and toes.
Toys that promote fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, such as those that can be held, reached for, pulled, or kicked, can be beneficial at this age. Our "Under The Sea High Contrast Water Mat" is an excellent tummy time toy that helps improve hand-eye coordination during this important period of development.
8-12 Months: Connecting Vision and Movement
As babies near their first birthday, they begin linking vision and movement. Activities like stacking blocks or playing with musical toys featuring black and white patterns support fine motor skills and memory. Simple games like hiding toys can help with problem-solving and attention span.
12 Months and Beyond: Cognitive and Language Development
At one year old, babies can see all colours, but black and white visuals still aid focus and help make connections between what they see and hear. Books with black and white illustrations or simple puzzles can continue to enhance their cognitive growth and language skills. The "Welcome To The World Little One Book" is a useful resource that contains illustrations of common first words so can be used when they are learning to speak between 12-24 months.
Black and white sensory play is a simple yet powerful way to support your baby’s development from newborn to toddler. Incorporating these visuals into daily routines helps nurture focus, coordination, and brain growth while offering fun, interactive ways to bond with your baby.
References:
Chaze, Betty Ann, and Susan M. Ludington-Hoe. “Sensory Stimulation in the NICU.” The American Journal of Nursing, vol. 84, no. 1, 1984, pp. 68–71. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/3463253. Accessed 10 July 2021.
Danko-McGhee, K., (2010). The Aesthetic Preferences of Infants: pictures of faces that captivate their interest. Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood, Vol 11, No. 4. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.2304/ciec.2010.11.4.365
Fantz. R. (1963, April19). Pattern Vision in Newborn Infants. Science, Vol 140, No. 3564, 296-297. https://home.fau.edu/lewkowic/web/Fantz%20Infant%20Preferece1963.pdf
Haupert, C., Raymond, K., Sather, R. (2022). Vision Milestones.University of Rochester Medical Centre - https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=85&contentid=P01093
Rymanowicz, K. (2014, December 18). Infant Vision Development: Helping babies see their bright futures! Michigan State University https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/infant_vision_development_helping_babies_see_their_bright_futures
ZEMACH, I., CHANG, S., & TELLER, D. (2007). Infant color vision: Prediction of infants' spontaneous color preferences Vision Research, 47 (10), 1368-1381 DOI: 10.1016/j.visres.2006.09.024