When I started Hugs & Things in 2013, I made everything in bold rainbow colors. My stalls at markets and fairs were full of color, and my children always wore brightly colored clothes too.
But over the years, fashions changed. Muted shades and natural colors became the new trend, and my range changed along with them because there was a lot of demand for beads in neutral colors.
Don’t get me wrong: I love muted, soft colors, but I’d still like to make a small case for bright colors.
Bright colors are appealing to babies for several reasons. This has to do with the development of their eyesight and how they process stimuli.
Development of eyesight
Newborn babies cannot yet see clearly. They see mainly in shades of gray and can distinguish contrasts best.
Babies are naturally drawn to strong contrasts (such as black and white or brightly colored objects against a neutral background) because these are easier to see.
At around 2 to 3 months, babies begin to distinguish colors, but they see primary colors best (red, blue, yellow). Bright colors stand out the most at this stage.
Cognitive stimulation
Bright colors and visual stimuli help babies’ brains develop. They encourage babies to look, reach, and explore — all important for motor and cognitive development.
Babies instinctively respond to stimuli that catch their attention. Bright colors stand out clearly from their surroundings, making them more interesting than pastel or muted colors.
So, especially for young children, it’s a great idea to offer toys in bright colors. When choosing colors for a pacifier clip or teething ring, why not look beyond the usual subdued colors too (beautifully decorative though they may be)?
Would you like me to start selling more bright colors for certain types of beads or shapes? Feel free to get in touch, and I can look into the possibilities.
I can’t wait to see your colorful creations!
Love, Marit