flashcards for newborns

Sensory toys are the perfect gift for newborn babies, in particular high contrast black and white toys that stimulate their eye development, such as the Sensory Flashcards for Babies by Happy Little Doers. These are also UKCA tested to ensure they are 100% safe for newborn babies

Choosing the best toy for a newborn baby involves considering their safety, sensory development, and age-appropriate features. Here are some popular and appropriate options:

1. High-Contrast Toys: Newborns have limited vision, so toys with high-contrast patterns and bold, black-and-white designs can help stimulate their visual development.
2. Soft, Plush Toys: Soft and cuddly stuffed animals or plush toys are great for newborns. Look for toys that are made of baby-safe materials and don’t have small parts that could be a choking hazard.
3. Hanging Mobiles: Mobiles with colourful and contrasting hanging objects can capture a baby’s attention and encourage them to focus on and track moving objects.
4. Rattles: Simple, lightweight rattles with easy-to-grasp handles can help babies develop their sense of touch, hearing, and hand-eye coordination.
5. Teething Toys: Teething toys made of safe, non-toxic materials can provide relief for teething discomfort when the time comes.
6. Mirror Toys: Babies are often fascinated by their own reflection. Toys with safe, baby-friendly mirrors can entertain and engage them.
7. Soft Books: Cloth or board books with high-contrast images, textures, and simple illustrations can be engaging for newborns, even if they can’t read yet.
8. Music and Sound Toys: Toys that play gentle lullabies, soothing sounds, or nature sounds can help calm and comfort newborns.
9. Gentle, Soothing Toys: Some babies enjoy soft toys that play calming heartbeat sounds or mimic a mother’s heartbeat, which can remind them of the womb.
10. Sensory Balls: Soft, textured balls with different patterns and materials can be easy for babies to hold and explore with their hands and mouths.

Most importantly always consider the safety of the toy. You should ensure that the product has (either) a UKCA mark or CE mark with details of what age the toy is compliant. Ensure it doesn’t have small parts that could be a choking hazard, and that it’s made of non-toxic materials. Additionally, supervise your baby during playtime, especially when they’re very young. It’s essential to choose toys that are age-appropriate for a newborn and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for use.

Yes! Each of our products is submitted for UKCA approval. What this means is that the products are tested to ensure that they are compliant to Toy Safety Standards in Great Britain. This is a legal requirement for all toys to undergo that are sold in the UK. Our Sensory Flashcards for Babies have been fully tested to ensure that they are safe for newborns. All of our activity flashcards and games display the UKCA mark as well as information relating to the safety test including which ages they are suitable for without parental guidance.

For more information, why not check out our blog on sensory flashcards for babies.

Research shows that bold black-and-white pictograms stimulate the development of the optic nerves and encourage cognitive development without over-stimulation. This is very particular in very young babies and early years development when starting to build an understanding of patterns, memory and the ability to absorb new information.

At birth, a baby’s eye has all the potential to see but the brain cannot process the visual information fully as its visual pathway is immature. In fact, in the womb, a baby can see red (the colour of the uterus!) and can track objects, although they can not distinguish between similar shades and the world appears fuzzy to them.

The visual pathway includes the back layer of the eye containing rod and cone photoreceptors which are responsible for converting light into electric signals. These signals are carried via the optic nerve to the visual centre in the brain where the signals are processed; ultimately allowing us to see.

For more information, why not check out our blog on sensory flashcards for babies.

From 0-4 months of age hold sensory flashcards 20-30cm from the baby’s face. This helps them to focus on an object. Start with a few flashcards, shuffling them around each day so that you start with a different card to keep it exciting for your baby. As your little one gets older, you can move the cards further way and from side to side or up and down, as well as add additional more complex black and white cards and flashcards with the colour red. This helps to improve focus and tracking and will also help to build muscle strength in the neck.

For more information, why not check out our blog on sensory flashcards for babies.