Babies eyes develop much later than their sense of smell (which is finely attuned already in utero!). At birth, they can only focus about 8 to 10 inches away, and are best at seeing sharp contrasts. That’s why babies love black and white.

Veronika goes nuts when I position her in front of a black and white image. She’ll stare transfixed for a good fifteen minutes, an eternity in infant-time.

You can show a graphic image from a book.

Or check your local library for board books deliberately written for this purpose. I highly recommend Black on White and White on Black, both by Tana Hoban. She also makes a fold-out version that’s perfect for tummy time.

Or placed around the bassinet. Either way, let your little one get looking!