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Baby look cards
Black and White Faces
Little Faces to Look At and Copy
Show your baby six black-and-white faces during tummy time. Copy the expressions and talk together.
- Under 1 year
- 3 min
- Easy
- One child
- Baby look cards
Learning areas
Skills practised
About this activity
Your baby looks at simple face cards while you copy the expressions and talk to them.
The high-contrast pictures invite your baby to look and follow with their eyes. Your voice and shared attention make this a moment of connection.
Learning objectives
- Look at a face shown by an adult.
- Follow a slowly moving card with their eyes.
- Notice the adult’s voice or face during play.
The printable
Print
What you need
- Printed sheet of six black-and-white faces
- Scissors for adult use only, if separating the cards
- A thin blanket on a firm, flat surface
Safety notes
Stay close and supervise your baby throughout. Only do tummy time while your baby is awake, on a firm, flat surface. If your baby falls asleep, place them on their back in a safe sleep space. Stop if they seem uncomfortable. Keep paper and cards away from their mouth; only an adult should use the scissors.
How to do it
- Print the sheet and, if you like, cut out the cards before bringing your baby over.
- Place your awake baby on their tummy on the blanket on the floor. Stay close.
- Hold one face about 8–12 inches from your baby’s eyes, without touching them.
- Copy the expression and say, for example, “Look, I’m smiling!”
- Move the card slowly from side to side and watch to see if your baby follows it with their eyes.
- Try another face if your baby is comfortable and interested.
- Finish with a cuddle when your baby seems tired or loses interest.
Teaching suggestions
- Make the expressions slowly and give your baby time to look. They do not need to copy you.
- If looking at the card is difficult, hold it still for a few moments.
- Name the expressions in a calm voice: “Eyes closed. This face is sleeping.”
- Try the expressions again during other moments together, such as diaper changes.
Variations
Easier
Show just one card, hold it still, and copy the face beside it.
More challenging
If your baby already follows the card, move it slowly from side to side and pause so they can find it again.
Extension
At another time, hold your awake baby against your chest and make the same expressions face-to-face.
Talk about it
- Where is the smiling face?
- What does my face look like when I wink?
- Did you see the tongue sticking out?
- Which face shall we look at now?
What to look for
- Notice whether your baby briefly looks at one of the faces.
- Watch to see if they follow a slowly moving card with their eyes.
- Notice whether they respond to your voice or face, perhaps by looking toward you.
Scavenger hunt
Odd one out
Cooking together