High Contrast Visual Stimulation for Babies

5.14.2014

As a new mama (or soon-to-be), you may be drawn to the bright and colorful baby toys vs. the black-white rattles and pictures, but research has shown that for the first three months especially, high contrast patterns are BENEFICIAL  to baby's growth!  To help foster your baby's visual development, make this DIY High Contrast Felt Board.

VISUAL STIMULATION FOR BABIES


VISUAL STIMULATION FOR BABIES


Believe it or not, but black and white patterns ENCOURAGE & SUPPORT your newborn babies vision development!  As a new mama, I was surprised to learn that babies are drawn to high contrast patterns.  Through such contrast, newborn babies are able shape the world around him/her.   

Have you ever wondered why contrasting colors- such as black and white- are frequently used in baby books and toys.  Research has found that babies prefer the stark black and white images and they encourage focus and increased concentration.  This article at HuggaMind highlights some research in supporting the importance of contrasting colors for baby.

High contrast patterns are beneficial for newborns to three months!

Though I don't have a newborn at the moment, I am drawn to the benefits of high contrast patterns, so I put together a DIY High Contrast Felt Board for my kids to encourage creativity and continue to support their vision development. 

BLACK & WHITE STIMULATION FOR BABIES


This high contrast felt board is easily adaptable to many ages and stages!
  • Newborn to 3 month old: prop or mount the frame to the wall and set this up as a "tummy-time" activity
  • Baby 6+mos: encourage baby to grab the felt off the board
  • 18 months+: foster creativity by having your child "build" a picture
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Supplies to make your own DIY Hight Contrast Felt Board for Baby
I made a super simple felt board using an old picture frame.

 I covered the glass with white felt to make the board.

Then I cut up pieces of black felt into various shapes.  That's it!!

HIGH CONTRAST VISUAL STIMULATION FOR BABIES

VISUAL STIMULATION FOR BABIES

Little Sis (3) and Big Brother also had fun building different pictures using the black cut-outs.

It was a neat little activity to put together.

It supported:
  • visual development
  • encouraged creativity
  • fine motor skills

black and white stimulation for babies

Now since my ''baby'' is older, I think it would be fun to add more colors to create a colorful felt collage... just have to head back to the craft store!!


black and white stimulation for babies

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