Exploring baby cognitive development with Etta Loves

At Bambino Mio, we get it—parenting is a whirlwind. One minute you’re basking in baby cuddles, the next you’re lost in a maze of research, advice, and endless parenting choices—wondering if you need a degree in paediatrics or just a really good coffee. Enter Etta Loves, a brand that’s changing the game when it comes to muslins and baby toys. Because they’re not just pretty, they’re scientifically designed to support your baby's cognitive development. Yes, really! Read on to discover why Etta Loves' patterns are more than meets the eye (literally).

Baby vision: a wild and wobbly ride

Let’s start with the basics. Did you know that babies don’t come into the world seeing things in full HD? That comes later. At birth, their vision is more like... let’s say, a slightly blurry Zoom call. Newborns can mostly focus on things that are about 20-30cm away (hello, parent faces!) and are particularly drawn to high-contrast patterns (think bold black and white, or bright pops of red and blue).

Here are some fun facts to keep in mind as your little one's eyes start to figure things out:

- Newborns can see big, bold shapes, but finer details? That’s for later.

- They love high-contrast patterns (so say goodbye to pastels, for now).

- By around 5 months, babies start to perceive depth, which makes layered patterns even more interesting.

- Mirror, mirror on the wall—babies around 4-6 months love looking at themselves.

- White spaces in patterns help give their busy little eyes a rest— even they need a break sometimes!

And that’s where Etta Loves comes in, creating patterns designed to stimulate your baby’s visual development while giving you a moment of calm.

A game-changer for your baby (and you)

Their muslins, toys, and playmats aren’t just designed to be pretty (though they *are* Instagram-worthy). They’re created in partnership with actual vision scientists, tested in labs and made to help your baby’s brain and eyes develop. Every pattern has been carefully crafted to keep your little one mesmerised—so you can hopefully grab a quick coffee or a minute to breathe.

Let’s take a peek at some of their clever designs:

Sycamore print

The Sycamore print is designed for 5-12 month-olds and has high-contrast black and red elements that younger babies love, and as they grow, they’ll start to notice the blues and yellows too. It’s all part of how their vision sharpens. Eye-tracking research even shows how babies explore this pattern—moving between the sycamore seeds as if they’re working out a puzzle. Clever little humans!

Fern print

Etta Loves’ Fern print is based on a fractal pattern—those cool repeating shapes found in nature. Babies are naturally drawn to these shapes, and research shows they actually *prefer* complex fractals. It’s the visual equivalent of giving them a brain workout (minus the flashcards). And here’s the magic: this print is designed with just the right amount of space between lines. Too close, and it blurs; too far apart, and it loses its appeal. Etta Loves gets it just right, so your baby stays engaged and curious.

Dandelion print

The Dandelion print is like a visual treasure hunt for babies. Newborns will first spot the black dot and the thin white outline around it. As their vision develops (and their curiosity grows), they’ll start following the lines of the dandelion stem and eventually notice the seed heads. It’s a pattern that grows with your baby, keeping them entertained as they spot new details over time. Bonus: It also gives you a few precious moments of peace while they’re busy tracking those tiny details!

Starfish print

The Starfish print is made up of irregular, playful circles designed to keep even the youngest babies engaged. When they’re teeny-tiny, they’ll mostly focus on the bold outer edges where the contrast is highest. As their eyesight sharpens, they’ll start noticing the smaller circles inside the pattern—a bit like discovering hidden Easter eggs in your favourite movie. It’s designed to evolve as they grow, so there’s always something new to capture their attention.

Tree rings print

In the Tree Rings print, babies initially focus on the outer edges of the rings (because that’s where their developing eyes are naturally drawn). But as they approach two months old, they’ll start exploring the finer details in the centre of the pattern. It’s like a visual adventure that changes with them—keeping them entertained as their little world (and vision) expands.

Calm for baby, calm for you

In the whirlwind of parenthood, it’s the little moments of calm that make all the difference. Etta Loves’ patterns are designed to give your baby plenty to look at, explore, and enjoy—whether it's a soothing muslin during nap time or a playmat that keeps them mesmerised during tummy time. And let’s be honest, anything that keeps them entertained for just a few minutes longer is worth its weight in gold.

So, if you’re looking for baby gear that’s scientifically designed to help your little one thrive, Etta Loves is your new best friend. Their products are perfect for modern parents who want the best for their babies without sacrificing style or sanity – this is right up our street!

You can grab an exclusive 10% OFF ETTA LOVES with the code: BAMBINO10