Curiosity about babies’ vision is a topic that captures the interest of parents. Can a newborn baby really see and recognize their father and mother, as well as see objects?

To answer this question, in 1996 the researcher T.G.R Bower focused on studies specifically about newborns. The research proved that babies are able to recognize their mother’s face within four hours after birth1.

A newborn baby’s vision can detect colors and abstract patterns, strong outlines, and contrasts between light and dark. The primary colors blue, red, and yellow tend to catch their attention at this stage.

Therefore, contrary to what many people believe, newborns can see in the first days of life, although there are still some limitations that will develop over time.

How Do Babies See?

Between the first and second month, a baby’s vision is somewhat limited. However, by three months there is development of visual connections and the neural system, making it possible for the baby to achieve good vision in both eyes2.

The baby can better follow the movement of toys, and the mother also notices how the baby fixes their gaze when she moves, as well as their observation of objects, showing restlessness and a certain curiosity.

Sharper Vision From the Third Month

The ability to see improves significantly after the third month. Smaller details and complete clarity are developed in the following months.

Visual experiences are valuable for cognitive development in childhood. As soon as they can see more clearly, babies assimilate, memorize images, recognize objects, and of course, become familiar with their parents’ faces, who are the most important people to them.

IMPORTANT: Newborns find it easier to see objects that are between 20 and 25 cm away from their eyes.

Tests have observed that when you place a yellow or red object 20 cm away, babies react with more attentive eyes, move their faces, and even slowly turn their necks to follow it. Interestingly, the distance of 20 to 25 cm is the same as from the mother’s face to the baby when breastfeeding.

High-Quality Vision From the 8th Month

Although by four months they are quite alert, looking at colorful objects, playing with parents, and recognizing the closest people, only by the 8th month do they see with good quality and sharpness, similar to an adult’s vision.

At eight months old, babies are able to see objects at a distance, grasp depth, and start to distinguish colors—whereas before they could only identify red, yellow, and blue, at this stage they have a greater capacity to differentiate colors.

My Baby Seems to Have an Eye Problem, When Should I Be Concerned?

Because a newborn’s visual development is gradual, some parents worry, especially when comparing their child’s behavior to another child of the same age.

Any eye problem in the child, if it exists, is diagnosed while still at the maternity hospital with the help of the red-reflex (eye) test. Congenital diseases like cataracts or glaucoma can be diagnosed within the first few weeks of life by the pediatrician and through medical monitoring during this period.

Some conditions that affect the baby’s vision develop over time and are diagnosed by the pediatrician. Medical monitoring is extremely important for early diagnosis and treatment if any abnormality appears3.

Main Symptoms of Vision Problems

Pay attention to the following signs:

  • Strabismic vision: when the child has strong and constant eye misalignment;
  • Inadequate or strange positioning of the eyeball;
  • If they do not move their eyes in the direction of objects after three months of age.

If you notice anything unusual, seek help from a pediatrician; if necessary, they will refer the case to an ophthalmologist. Stimulating your baby’s vision is also a healthy habit, naturally without overdoing it. Mobiles, colorful objects, and more help develop visual skills and color recognition.

Activities to Stimulate Baby’s Vision

Play and Eye-to-Eye Contact
In the first days of life, the baby can see between 20 and 30 cm, so it’s easier for them to see the mother’s face. Take advantage of feeding times, diaper changes, and bath time to make eye contact.

Talk to the Baby
This is not just a visual but also a cognitive stimulus. Interacting with your baby from the earliest months shows attention, affection, and helps them imitate you both in developing speech and facial expressions.

Toys
Colorful objects, mobiles, and anything with color contrast are great for the development of baby’s vision. Black and white colors really attract attention, especially during the first month of life. Until the third month, prefer primary color objects, like yellow, blue, and red.

Mobiles
Mobiles really attract babies’ attention and stimulate hearing, vision, and motor development, as they start moving their arms to try and reach objects from the fourth month on.

Hide-and-Seek with the Toy
At five months, this activity can already be introduced. Vision is clearer and you can hide an object, leaving just a small part visible for them to find with their eyes.

Photo Recognition
By eight months, with almost perfect vision, children are able to recognize people in photos. Show daddy, grandma, and see their reaction.

See Also: Newborns and Their 5 Senses

Photo: PublicDomainPictures