Black & White Baby Books and Toys: Why are They So Good For Newborns?

Black and white baby books and toys seem to fascinate babies. They may look simple and a little dull to adults, but babies seem to be irresistibly drawn to them.

So why is black & white good for babies?

Babies can tell the difference between light and dark when they're still in utero. When they're born, they can see black, white and grey, and their focus distance is only around 20 to 30 cms. They can see shapes by looking at the lines where light and dark meet.

You can help support your baby's visual development by cuddling up close to baby and putting your face near hers. Your baby will learn to focus on your face, and will start tracking you with her eyes and turning her head to follow you.

Try making faces to help your baby focus her vision. Stick out your tongue, smile, or wrinkle your nose. All of these actions help baby to start reading your face, and focusing her vision.

Black & White Images for Babies

Because of this limited vision, the high contrast of black and white images are easier for a baby to see. The boldness of the images stands out where everything else is blurry.

Although there is some disagreement as to when babies start to see colour, it doesn't appear to be until around 3 to 6 months.

Some experts suggest that infants not only prefer to look at black and white images, but that looking at these types of graphics:

• helps to increase baby's concentration skills
• stimulates baby's brain cell connects on both the left and right sides of the brain
• helps to increase baby's attention span

It should be noted, however, that more research is needed to establish a clear link between the use of high contrast images for infants' visual stimulation and the abovementioned neuro-developmental benefits.

Black & White Baby Books

Why are black & white books good and safe for babies? It's never too early to start baby off with a book, and a black and white book is a great excuse to cuddle up and read together. Early reading with baby can help to promote early literacy skills, too. Here are some of our favourite black and white baby books.

If you're looking for baby books in black & white, this is the classic. The Mesmerised book for babies is one of the best black and white baby books, and there's no wonder it's a bestseller!

The Mesmerised Baby Face Book has more black and white books images for baby, this time with some added pops of bright colours like yellow and red, with the black and white.

There are so many lovely black and white newborn toys, and this lovely soft book from RMS My Family Books is no exception. The lovely black and white baby pictures will appeal to little ones from newborn to toddler.

Black & White Cards for Baby

Your baby may like black and white flashcards, too. Cuddle up with baby and show her the flashcards and talk about what's on them. Baby will love to hear the sound of your voice, and will begin to focus on the images.

The advantage of cards over books in black and white is that you can use the cards to make a mobile, or even put them up around the change table to keep baby occupied while you're doing the nappy change.

You could even create a gallery on the nursery wall for baby to look at.

There are so many options when you're looking for baby images in black and white.

Wee Gallery's Art Cards range come beautifully boxed, and the high contrast prints will keep any baby entertained.

Black & White Baby Toys

There are also lots of great black and white toys for baby. Hang something black and white above the change table to distract baby, or clip a toy to the car seat or pram. You'll help entertain baby and develop her visual skills on the go!

There are some lovely black & white toys for babies, and this birdie stroller toy from Wee Gallery is one of the cutest. I love the embroidered wings, taggy feet, and bold colours. It straps easily on to the carseat or play gym, too.

This gorgeous snuggle blanket from Wee Gallery is made from the softest organic cotton with bold black and white graphics for infants. Perfect for snuggling up in the cot.

To see more great black & white products for baby, check out Mesmerised Books for Newborns or Wee Gallery.