High Contrast Images for Baby, Apps, Flashcards and Slideshows

We make flash cards and apps with black and white shapes and faces for visual stimulation. Print at home or bring to life on your iPhone or iPad.

Printable black and white baby flashcards with high-contrast images emerging from a home printer on a wooden table.
high contrast images

High Contrast Images of Baby Animals – Made by a Mom

Decades of research has shown that time spent looking at black and white (high-contrast) images benefits a baby’s cognitive development. Read on to learn how you can encourage the development of your baby’s vision with high-contrast images.​

Why High-Contrast Images Matter for Baby’s Brain Development:

  • A baby’s color vision isn’t fully developed until around 5 months old. Initially, black, white, and gray tones are the only thing they can really see initially. They’ll begin to start seeing red around 5 months.
  • A baby’s retina registers the strongest when looking at high contrast images.
  • High contrast images with bold black and white shapes stimulate the optic nerves. This trains a newborn’s vision and teaches the eye muscles and brain to coordinate and function properly.
  • Showing your baby simple, high contrast images will help calm and soothe your baby as well as increase their concentration skills, enhance their natural curiosity, and stimulate the creation of brain cell connections.

When Should You Start Using High-Contrast Images?

Newborns are born with blurry vision and limited color perception — but they’re primed to respond to bold shapes and contrast. That’s why high-contrast images are ideal from day one.

  • 0–3 Weeks: Start with simple black and white images or flashcards placed 8–12 inches from your baby’s face. Hold them still so your baby can begin to focus and track.

  • 1–2 Months: Introduce gentle animation or slow-moving shapes. This is a great time to try visual stimulation apps during tummy time or quiet play.

  • 3–5 Months: Your baby may begin to notice red and other bold colors. Add pops of red to your flashcards or switch to more detailed visuals.

  • 6 Months+: Gradually introduce interactive tools like toddler-friendly peekaboo apps to support language and recognition.

✅ Which Visuals Are Best by Age?

If you’re wondering whether to use high contrast vs. color visuals for babies, the answer is: it depends on their stage. Here’s a cheat sheet to help:

AgeVisual TypeProduct to Try
0–3MBold black & white
shapes and faces
B&W Card Set,
Slideshow,
App
3–6MAdd red, yellow, blue accentsEarly Color Pack
6–36MFull-color animals,
names, and shapes

Coming Soon!
0–36MMix + match all 3 in one bundleComing Soon!

👶 Pro Tip: Use high-contrast images during tummy time, diaper changes, or quiet wake windows to naturally support focus and calm.

Our High-Contrast Flashcard Sets:

Buy Now - $5.00
Not sure? Download a sample.
Buy Now - $5.00
Not sure? Download a sample.

Our Interactive Flashcard App:

Infant Zoo app promotional graphic featuring high-contrast animal faces for baby visual stimulation
high-contrast-baby-app-infant-zoo
iPad app with black and white pictures for infants

Get the Baby Flashcard Sample Pack

    We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at anytime.

    I created the Infant Zoo App for other moms and dads.

    Infant Zoo was created by a mom for a baby with an obsession for zoo animals (especially ones that roar) and peek-a-boo games. Well, that baby has just turned 13 and has since moved on to skateboarding, Minecraft, and chess, but she’s still making apps. You can learn more about them here.

    Made for this little guy. Now for yours.

     

    Infant Zoo App for iPhone and iPad

    Animated High Contrast Images for Babies

    What Parents are Saying about Infant Zoo.

    Reviews from the App Store

    How High-Contrast Images Support Baby Visual Development

    Almost a decade before I became a mom, I was a doting aunt, completely enthralled with my older sister’s first child. He was the first baby I’d even been in close contact with, and maybe even the first baby I’d ever held! I visited every chance I could and was fascinated by everything he did.

    How I Used High-Contrast Images in Our Daily Routine​

    Discover how I gently worked high-contrast images into our baby’s daily routine—from tummy time to diaper changes—and why these simple visuals support early brain and vision development.

    Baby Vision Development: When Can a Newborn See, and When to Introduce Color​

    Ever wonder when a newborn can actually see? In this post, I break down baby vision development month by month—showing you when to use black and white visuals, when to introduce color, and simple ways to support your baby’s visual growth from day one.

    Are High-Contrast Flashcards Good for Babies? What Parents (and Science) Really Say

    Discover how high-contrast flashcards can support your baby’s visual development, calm fussiness, and create meaningful moments from day one.

    The Benefits of Tummy Time for Babies (and How to Make It Easier)

    Tummy time isn’t just about strong neck muscles—it supports your baby’s motor skills, sensory development, and early bonding. Learn how to make it easier (even if your baby resists) and how much tummy time your baby needs at 1, 2, and 3 months.