High contrast cards are a powerful tool for your baby's early development, and are such a simple, easy tool for you to start using from the very beginning.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use high contrast cards with your newborn, along with recommendations for daily usage.

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  1. Start Small (0-3 Months)

    • Session Length: 1-2 minutes per session, up to 5 times a day.
    • How-To: Hold a high contrast card about 20-30 cm from your baby’s face (their optimal focus distance at this age). Move the card slowly side to side to engage their eyes.
    • Purpose: At this stage, short, frequent sessions help build visual focus and early cognitive skills.

  1. Increase Engagement (3-6 Months)

    • Session Length: 3-5 minutes per session, 2-3 times a day.
    • How-To: Place the high contrast cards on a play mat during tummy time. Position the cards around them to encourage head movement and visual tracking.
    • Purpose: Extended exposure at this age encourages visual tracking and strengthens eye muscles. Tummy time with the cards also supports motor skills and core strength.

  2. Enhance Exploration (6-12 Months)

    • Session Length: 5-10 minutes per session, 1-2 times a day.
    • How-To: As your baby grows, place cards within reach to encourage grasping and touch, combining visual and tactile exploration. You can even prop cards up around their play area or attach them to toys.
    • Purpose: Combining vision and touch builds sensory integration, helping your baby connect what they see with what they feel and supporting early cognitive development.

Daily Recommendations

  • 0-3 Months: Aim for 5-10 minutes total per day across multiple short sessions.
  • 3-6 Months: Increase to 10-15 minutes per day, split between tummy time and short visual tracking exercises.
  • 6-12 Months: Up to 10-15 minutes daily, focusing on independent exploration and sensory integration.

Using high contrast cards in short, regular sessions helps keep your baby’s attention while gradually building essential visual and cognitive skills. Integrating them into tummy time or play on a soft, safe playmat makes it even more effective and enjoyable for both you and your little one.

Read More: The Kairos Child listed among Best Baby Play Mats in Australia