Vision Development: 4-6 Months

Huge advances in vision development have occurred in the brain by 6 months old.  Visual acuity is now estimated to be approximately 20/25.  Color vision is normal.

VISUAL OBSERVATIONS:

• Your baby is tracking more efficiently and for longer periods of time.
• Eyes are now straight and well-coordinated.
• Beginning to understand how to play “peek-a-boo.”
• Interested in mirrors.
• Explores more with hands and mouth.

OTHER DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES:

• Rolls over either direction
• Responds to own name
• Begins to respond to “no”
• Babbles more like words
• Sits with little support
• Reaches with one hand
• Transfers object from hand to hand
• Supports whole weight on legs

HOW TO ENCOURAGE DEVELOPMENT:

• Allow your baby to get on the floor and encourage him to crawl to you or toys.
• Provide plenty of SAFE objects and toys that can be pulled apart.
• Play peek-a-boo.
• Talk to your baby.  Describe objects, colors, places, etc.

For earlier pictures, videos and developmental milestones, click here

If your baby’s eyes still look crossed from about 4-6 months of life, it is time to take your baby in for an eye examination with a developmental optometrist or ophthalmologist.  Sometimes you baby’s eyes might look crossed, but they really are not.  That is because your baby might have a flat nose bridge.  This creates what is called a “pseudo-strabismus.”  The nasal part of the eyelids partially cover some of the white part of the eye.  This gives the illusion of crossed eyes because you see less “white” (sclera) of your baby’s eyes.  Your eye doctor can tell for sure if your baby has crossed eyes that will require treatment, or pseudo-crossed eyes that does not require any treatment (this illusion goes away as your baby grows).

Note that American Optometric Association (AOA) has a program called Infant See ®.  Optometrists in your area will give your infant under 1 year old a FREE vision assessment.  This is a great place to start appropriate vision care for your baby.

March 2012 newsletter will take Edina up to 1 year old.  Amazing how quickly time passes!  Many thanks to my daughter and graphic designer, Annie, for capturing such special moments on film and video.

Development does not always progress in a smooth manner.  All children develop at their own rate.

Click here to continue on the vision journey, Vision Development through Edina’s Eyes.

I am blessed to be a part of my child’s and grandchild’s life.