• Notice his awareness of movement around him and provide opportunities for his eyes to track slowly moving objects. New babies will stare for long periods of time at things like curtains or trees blowing in the breeze.
• Show him toys with significant contrast between dark and light colors such as black and white.
• Move him to different places from time to time -- carrying him in a sling is an easy way for him to begin to see different things.
• Provide a visually attractive mobile over the crib/change table or decorate the wall area near the crib.
• Let him look at himself in an unbreakable mirror.

Parent Tip - "I used the welcome cards my daughter received when she was born as pictures for her to look at. I put a couple on the wall near her changing table and a couple on the wall by the crib. I chose the ones with pictures of babies and faces. We soon found out what her favorites were, as she would stare intently at certain ones, and as she got older she would try to talk to them! One of her favorites was a cartoon picture of a baby with a big face and large eyes. I photocopied that one, laminated it and pegged it to the side of her stroller." Margaret

By Anne Oxenreider

Related Tips

• Music and your newborn
• Music is a wonderful activity to share with your baby. We all enjoy music, so here are some ways to include it in your daily life.
• more

• Activities for gross motor development (newborn)
• Here are some tips to encourage gross motor development in your newborn.
• more

• Learning and sound - activities for newborns
• Your baby’s ability to hear and recognize your voice begins around the seventh month of pregnancy.
• more

• Learning and touch - activities for newborns
• Your baby has a complete sense of touch waiting for exploration.
• more