Vision Quest: Games for Baby's Eyesight Development



Around three months of age, your baby's eyes are focusing. Here's how to make the view more interesting.

Give him some practice by offering him interesting things to look at. Try holding a brightly colored rattle or ball in front of him, or let him watch a goldfish drift in a bowl. Don't be surprised if he stops to stare for quite some time — focusing on objects and sharpening his sense of sight is serious work. (And so is the brain-building that goes along with it!) Here are some other eye-catchers to try:
·         Bright patterns. Sharp contrasts are more intriguing (and easily visible) to him than delicate pastels, so don't hesitate to go bold in what you show him. Draw simple pictures or cut them from paper and hang them near his crib or changing table. And seize simple opportunities like the slanting shadows that venetian blinds cast by positioning your baby so he can gaze at them.
·         Mirrors. He's not vain (he doesn't know that the baby he's watching is himself!), he just loves seeing another tot just his size. Choose an unbreakable mirror made just for infants.
·         Mobiles. Hang one about 12 to 15 inches above your baby's face, and off to one side (babies often show a preference for gazing to the right side — see if yours does too). And remember, the objects on the mobile are for your baby's benefit, not yours. Make sure the most interesting view is from the bottom (where your baby's gaze is going) not the side or top (where yours is).
·         Faces and people. Whether live or in photographs, babies are fascinated by the human face. Offer yours for observation often, or show him pictures of other people's faces.
·         Books. There's no need for fancy words — or any words at all. Choose sturdy cardboard or cloth books with simple, clear drawings or photographs of everyday objects, babies and children, and animals. Your baby might spend more time chewing on the book than looking at it, but he might occasionally sneak a peek at the pictures.


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