Art for Babies - Help

How to help your baby look at the paintings:

0 - 3 months
Hold your baby in front of the painting so that his/her head is supported.
Bear in mind that newborn babies can only focus on things that are between 20 – 30cms or 8 –12 inches away. Look at your baby’s eyes to measure a response.

3 – 6 months
Your baby’s head will be much firmer now and his/her eyes can scan an image without movement of the head. From now they begin to see in colour. Again look at your baby’s eyes to measure their response but also note any other physical responses

6 - 9 months
Babies usually have 20 -20 vision (fully developed) by 6 months. By presenting your baby with these bold simple images of natural forms you will be extending their visual repertoire and allowing them to make connections with their environment.

9 -12 months and upwards
Babies and toddlers can now enjoy the paintings with you. Talk about what you can see. Count out the different elements of a painting. Make comparisons between big and small, dark and light, etc. Ask them what they think the paintings are about. What words might they use to describe the paintings? Which is their favourite?