High Contrast Images for Infants

With a new baby due in a matter of weeks, I have really been in the nesting mood.  Not only cleaning, but getting everything all lined up!  Today, I found the black and white images that I had used with C.  I loved these visual stimulation cards and recommended them often to new parents when I worked as a parent educator.  The black and white pictures shown are from http://www.funbabygames.com/, also check out these black and white images, they are free to print.

There are several different ways these images can be used.  First,  I like to tape images next to the changing table.  It is a great visual stimulant during a diaper change.  You could also punch a hole in the top and hang them from an overhead gym.  We used ours often during tummy time.  I just propped them up, using a book.  This was great because it encouraged C to lift her head to see the images. 

As shown in the picture, I created 'puppets' using black and white images.  I called these tracking puppets.  They are attached to a tongue depressor and you have your infant try to 'track' or follow the picture as you move it side to side and up and down. 

There are also some great black and white board books that I just love.  Tana Hoban created these books and they are most likely available in your local library.  These books are great to 'read' with baby or prop up during tummy time. 

Lastly, have you heard about the Infant See Program?  It is a nationwide program of Optometrists that offer FREE vision exams to infants (ages 6-12) months.  Check out their website: http://www.infantsee.org/.  Check to see if there are any providers near you.  They also have some great information on their website as well.  We did this with C and it was very reassuring that her eyes were healthy!