Black and White Baby Books for Newborns

Newborns can’t detect different shades of light and color yet. Take a look at the best black and white baby books for high-contrast reading.

Black and White Baby BooksMy newborn son could stare at our vertical blinds all day.

I had noticed that when I would place him on a blanket on the floor, he’d almost always turn his head toward the blinds.

I later learned why.

You see, a new baby’s eyes can’t detect different shades of light and color too well. They can only see distinct contrasts—the bigger the difference, the better they can see. And that arm’s length—about the distance between your baby in your arms and your face—is ideal.

That’s why whenever I placed my son on the floor, he was immediately drawn to the blinds, which looked like bold patterns of black and white simple lines. Go figure!

After I learned that, I sought black and white baby books to include in our reading routine. I wanted to take advantage of these high contrast books to keep him engaged when he was awake and to encourage his visual interest.

Black and white baby books

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And you can do the same with your baby. High contrast black and white baby books are an amazing addition to your library. The bold images offer high contrast illustrations and bold lines he can see better. They’re perfect to read during tummy time, as part of your bedtime routine, or even in the car seat.

Take a look at our favorite black and white books. Many are board books for easy handling, with simple visuals sure to draw a baby’s curiosity, even for young children this age:

Cluck and Moo by Frida Bing

Cluck and Moo by Frida Bing

Good Morning, Son! by Mr. Mintz

Good Morning, Son! by Mr. Mintz

Black Cat & White Cat by Claire Garralon

Black Cat & White Cat by Claire Garralon

Hello Animals by Smriti Prasadam

Hello Animals by Smriti Prasadam

Baby Zoo

Baby Zoo by Tou Yia Xiong

The Baby's Handbook by Dayna Martin

The Baby’s Handbook by Dayna Martin

Hello, Ocean Friends by Violet Lemay

Hello, Ocean Friends by Violet Lemay

Art for Baby

Art for Baby

Black & White by Tana Hoban

Black & White by Tana Hoban

Jane Foster's Black and White by Jane Foster

Jane Foster’s Black and White by Jane Foster

Hello, Garden Bugs by Julissa Mora

Hello, Garden Bugs by Julissa Mora

Hearts and Stars by Chez Picthall

Hearts and Stars by Chez Picthall

Hello Baby by Roger Priddy

Hello Baby by Roger Priddy

Look Look! by Peter Linenthal

Look Look! by Peter Linenthal

My Animals by Xavier Deneux

My Animals by Xavier Deneux

See & Say Book by Manhattan Toy

See & Say Book by Manhattan Toy

Baby Animals: Spots & Stripes by Phyllis Limbacher Tildes

Baby Animals: Spots & Stripes by Phyllis Limbacher Tildes

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