The visual development of humans is a slow and complex process, maturing latest among all senses. Around seven months in the womb, the basic visual cortex of a fetus can already receive signals from the eyes, but in the first few months after birth, the nerve cells of the visual pathway are still gradually maturing, meaning that what a newborn mostly sees is blurry. However, with time, the types of colors a baby can recognize will also change. If parents can grasp these stage characteristics and provide timely appropriate color stimuli, it can not only promote the visual development of the baby but also potentially accelerate the discovery of intellectual potential, leading to earlier brain development and enhancing the overall intelligence of the baby.
Around three to four months, babies begin to have a preliminary sense of color. In the initial three months of life, they are already attracted to vivid colors and strong black-and-white contrasts, color becoming an irresistible temptation at this stage. As the visual system gradually improves, around four months, babies officially enter the realm of color cognition, gradually exploring this colorful world through identifying colors and experiencing their richness.
Therefore, at this stage, it is recommended to arrange some black-and-white geometric shapes or character portraits by the baby’s bed to guide visual tracking. Also, decorations near the baby’s bedside should mainly feature the primary colors of red, yellow, and blue, creating a visually rich and colorful yet not overly chaotic environment to ensure that the baby’s still developing visual system is not overloaded.
As babies grow, from 4 to 12 months, they enter a critical period of visual development—the color sensitive period. During this time, their visual nerves are particularly sensitive to colors, and their observation range expands to 1-2 meters. Parents should focus on cultivating the baby’s color perception and recognition abilities. This can be achieved by sticking harmonious-toned pictures or calendars in the baby’s room, changing to soft-colored bedding, even drawing rainbows on the wall to create a vibrant and colorful space for the baby. Additionally, placing colorful, sound-emitting toys or colorful patterned books within the baby’s line of sight is an excellent choice as it not only stimulates the baby’s vision but also has a positive impact on brain development.
