How to introduce FlashCards to your baby - a step-by-step guide

How to introduce FlashCards to your baby - a step-by-step guide

Introduction

A super effective tool to help develop your newborn’s eyesight is flashcards for babies.

You can start introducing them to your baby, as early as two weeks after birth. Do this by holding the flashcards close(30 cm) away from your baby’s face. 

You can keep things interesting by switching up the flashcards. This will increase the fun quotient of the activity for you and your baby.  

What Are Flashcards?

Flashcards are cards that are a knowledge tool, holding a small amount of information(it could be a colour, number, or data) on each side. They are a key developmental instrument for very young children. 

Benefits of Flashcards for Babies

Flashcards for babies are often one of their first play items that also doubles up as a tool for enhancing their development.
There are many benefits of flashcards for babies

  • Enhances Visual Memory and Recognition Skills 

Flashcards for babies are one of the most commonly used play tools in early infancy. They help babies understand the concept of different colours. They also help them in developing depth perception. High-contrast flashcards such as black and white flashcards for newborns, introduce them to the concept of colour. 

  • Cognitive Skills 

Infant flashcards have colours, shapes, and patterns. They ease babies into the first step of developing cognitive skills.

  • Boosts Early Language Development 

Flashcards for toddlers encourage them to vocalise their reactions to the images on the cards. This helps them develop vocabulary in those early years. 

  • Strengthens Parent-Child Bonding 

Children's flashcards are a great way for parents to bond with their kids. Holding up a flashcard and seeing your child's reaction is a key bonding activity for new parents. It's an early step in building communication.

Tips for Preparing Your Kid When Introducing Flashcards

Young children, especially babies and toddlers are a vulnerable lot. It’s important to be well prepared while introducing any new stimuli including children’s flashcards.
Always remember to:

  • Create a Comfortable Learning Environment 

Your child’s comfort should be your top priority while introducing them to developmental toys. Young children are very reactive.  Hence, for a productive playtime, they have to be in a soothing environment. 

  • Pick the Right Time 

Young children usually have an internal schedule that they follow, when it comes to sleep, hunger, etc. How to use flashcards effectively for your babies is to make sure they are alert, well-fed, and eager for interaction during playtime. Overstimulated babies will reject any efforts you make to engage them with flashcards. 

  • Keep Sessions Short and Sweet

Every young child has their personal threshold when it comes to play time or learning sessions. Avoid pushing your baby, if they are being un receptive or feeling overstimulated. For a positive and effective session with flashcards for babies, always keep it short and sweet. 

How to Use Flashcards Effectively

When you are using flashcards for kids there are a few ground rules you need to remember, to make sure it’s a positive and meaningful session. 

  1. Start with one card at a time.
  2. Move slowly and clearly.
  3. Use simple words and repetition.
  4. Encourage interaction.
  5. Rotate cards frequently.
  6. Respond to your babies’ cues.

How to Choose the Right Flashcards for your Kids

Yes, children’s flashcards are an excellent way to keep them engaged as well as help their holistic development. So, what are some things you need to keep in mind while choosing the flashcards?

  • Select Age Appropriate Flashcards

*High-contrast Flashcards are one of our top-performing sensory toys for newborns and babies
*For toddlers, you could try colourful ones, with letter and numbers flashcards.
*Sight Words Flashcards with More Advanced Information for Slightly Older Children

  • Opt for High Contrast and Bright Colours

While choosing children’s flashcards keep two things in mind. They should either be high contrast or bright colours.  These will encourage your child to properly focus. It will also enhance visual development. 

  • Choose Durable and Safe Materials

Flashcards for babies must always be non-tear and non-toxic. 

  • Variety of Categories

Depending on your child’s age you can choose a variety of categories of flashcards for children.
If you are looking for flashcards online, look no further than 

Do’s and Don'ts of Using Flashcards for Babies

Babies are highly sensitive creatures. You must take it slow and follow their cues while using flashcards for babies. 

Some Do’s:

  • Always use positive reinforcement- This is a non negotiable.

  • Incorporate flashcards into daily routines- This is a great way to jazz up your daily routines with your baby. Hide flashcards around the nursery. Every time you use a particular corner, you can use a flashcard. Or, you could make it a fun routine during mealtimes, and every meal can be a fun and interactive session with your baby.

  • Add sound effects or songs- If you are using online flashcards, you can choose audio on your computer, for every card. This makes it an all-round visual and audio interactive learning/play session.

  • Follow your baby’s lead- If you want to learn how to use flashcards effectively for babies, you must follow their lead. Exhausted or overstimulated babies will reject any activity you try to engage them in. If your baby is tired or grumpy, it’s best to put the cards away for another time. 

Some Don'ts:

  • Avoid overloading your baby- Babies have their threshold. It is pointless to overload an already overstimulated baby. It will always have a backfiring effect. 
  • Don’t force engagement- Follow your baby’s cues. If they seem tired, don’t force them to engage. 
  • Be Patient and Consistent- Yes, babies can be very mercurial. As a new parent, patience is crucial. Patience and consistency are key, if you want to reap the full benefits of using children's flashcards.

Conclusion

The benefits of flashcards for babies are multipolar. They are an all rounder product that is entertaining, and a learning tool.
Along with flash cards, Skillmatics UK bring you an amazing collection of Stem toys and puzzles for kids.

FAQs

  • How to teach a baby to read flashcards?

Prop up your baby and hold the flashcards close to their eyes at a distance of about 30 cm. 

  • Why black and white flashcards for newborns are considered the best?

They are the most effective. This is because newborns’ eyes are not fully developed yet. They only start recognising colours other than black and white after around 4 months. 

  • When should I start flashcards for babies

You can start using flashcards for babies from as early as when they’re two weeks old.
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