High Contrast Pattern Cards for Baby

White cardstock or thick paper (4-5 sheets)

A bold black marker or printed high-contrast images

A blanket or soft surface for baby to lie on

Print or draw 4-5 simple high-contrast patterns on white cardstock — bold stripes, bullseyes, checkerboards, and zigzag lines.

Lay your baby on their back on a blanket or hold them in your arms during a calm, alert moment.

Hold the first card about 8-12 inches from your baby's face — that's the sweet spot where newborn eyes focus best.

Watch for signs of engagement: widening eyes, stilling their body, or turning toward the card.

Slowly move the card a few inches left, pause, then right. See if your baby's eyes follow the movement.

After 30-60 seconds, switch to the next pattern. Babies habituate to sameness but perk up for novelty.

Talk softly as you show each card — describe the shapes, count the stripes. Your voice is its own stimulation.

Keep sessions short — 3-5 minutes is plenty. If your baby looks away or fusses, they're telling you they've had enough.

Try taping a card to the inside of the crib where your baby naturally looks during awake time.

Around 6-8 weeks, add a red pattern — red is the first color babies can distinguish from black and white.

Laminate cards if you want them to last. Babies will eventually grab for them, and drool-proofing helps.