Vision Development: Birth – 2 months

OBSERVATIONS:

Babies often don’t focus on you or other targets, as nerve cells in their retina and brain are not fully developed. The infant cannot accommodate (focus on near objects) very well. However, within a few days after birth, infants prefer looking at an image of their mother’s face to that of a stranger.  Visual acuity is estimated to be approximately 20/400.

Your child’s eyes may look huge!  Your baby’s eyes are approximately 65% of their adult size.  They “grow into” their large eyes, as the head develops over time.

Eyes may cross or drift.  This is normal (as seen in this picture of Edina at one month).

At one week after birth, they can see red, orange, yellow and green.  It takes longer for them to see blue and violet.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR:

  • Begins to develop a smile
  • Begins to imitate some facial expressions
  • Watches faces intently
  • Begins to follow moving objects

OTHER DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES:

  • Stretches legs out and kicks
  • Opens and shuts hands
  • Holds head with little support
  • Pushes down on legs when feet are placed on a firm surface (no, the baby is NOT ready to walk yet!)
  • Responds to loud noises
  • Finds hands
  • Should be able to move eyes in all directions of gaze

HOW TO ENCOURAGE DEVELOPMENT:

  • Frequent interactions (visual, speech, movement) with your newborn child.
  • It’s ok to leave some lights on in the nursery- it won’t affect your baby’s ability to sleep (and keeps you from bumping into things when you wake up in the middle of the night!)
  • Start talking and singing to your child immediately.
  • Decorate your child’s room with bright, cheerful colors.  Include artwork and furnishings with contrasting colors and shapes.  Hang a brightly colored mobile above or near the crib.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT VISION DEVELOPMENT THROUGH EDINA’S EYES

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