High Contrast Images for Baby
Read on to learn how you can encourage the development of your baby’s vision with high-contrast images.
High Contrast Images of Baby Animals – Made by a Mom
Black and White Shapes and Faces for Visual Stimulation
Decades of research has shown that time spent looking at black and white (high-contrast) images benefits a baby’s cognitive development.
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.
👶 Pro Tip: Use high-contrast images during tummy time, diaper changes, or quiet wake windows to naturally support focus and calm.
Free Infant Stimulation for Baby on your iPhone or iPad
Learn more about how high-contrast images support baby visual development here.
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
Keeps my son occupied for hours!! For me to take a shower, him to stay calm if he’s awake in the car, still on the plane, SO MUCH! Moms- if you need a few minutes, to do anything.. even snuggle your hubby.. highly recommend!
themountainmama
Infant Zoo
My son is 11 months old and is always grabbing for my phone. He really liked the free version, so I thought it worth it to upgrade. At the young age of 1 he has learned to tap the egg to see the animal and tap the arrow to go on to the next. We work on saying the sounds together. It gives him a small amount of control, a small amount of screen time, and he’s learned cause and effect, and hand eye coordination. It’s very simple, no distracting banners, and my son enjoys it. A truly nice baby app. A lot of the others are too complicated for a 1yr old. We love this.
oslendudnak
Infant Zoo
This app has been the favorite of two children so far! Thanks for helping me survive motherhood!
Lulila22
Infant Zoo
This app is truly amazing! Not only does my son love it. But it has gotten us through many doctors appointments and medical things we have to do at home for him. It makes him smile and laugh and he loves it so much!!!
LaTonberry
Infant Zoo
I showed her this game when she's 4 months. She's 7 months now and she can tap each pictures. The music is very soft and relax, very good for baby learning. I brought the whole package of these type. This one is her favorite. Strong recommend to parents who like to introduce tablet or phones to their baby in early age.
97376352
Infant Zoo
This app is fantastic! There is a shortage of apps on the market that actually stimulate learning. This app is great for babies but my toddler loves it! We use it like we would flash cards. She sees the animal and says the name as the app makes the sound. It's fantastic! And finally art for kids that isn't tacky or cheesy. I highly recommend this app
hons4
Infant Zoo
I got this for my 6 month old son. He loves it! The app encourages him to play with it, and each time the “egg” hatches, he gets a cute surprise. It’s great that the faces represent a broader slice of humanity as wellI’m grateful for this app to keep my kid amused.
cracker_joe
Infant Faces
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.