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5 Ways to Stimulate Your Baby’s Eyesight
Unlike hearing which is fully developed at birth, your baby’s eyesight won’t be fully developed until around six months. Initially, your baby can only see about eight to fifteen inches away. This is just far enough for him to see the face of the person holding him. He prefers bright contrasting patterns (like black and white checkerboard) and sees light and darkness. Babies can see color from birth but have difficulty distinguishing similar tones like blue and purple for example. Playing games with your baby to help his eyesight develop in turn helps him take in the world around him. Learning about his world, is how his brain grows and develops.
0 to 1 Month
Babies do not have the innate ability to focus their eyes together. It is common for newborns to cross their eyes or even for eyes to roll backwards. While it seems unsightly, and a little scary if you’re not expecting it, it’s perfectly normal. Focusing is a learned skill. One way to help your baby learn to focus, is by passing a rattle or other brightly colored object in front of his face. Chances are good that he’ll find the rattle fascinating, and follow it from side to side.
1 to 2 Months
This is the perfect age to break out those board books. Books that have bright primary colors for your baby to look at are just perfect for him to begin to understand different colors. Your baby will likely show a preference for brighter reds, oranges, blues and greens at this time. He will also be working on perfecting those object tracking skills. Another game you can play to help him is locking eyes with his, and then moving backwards. He’ll want to stare right into your eyes.
2 to 3 Months
Floor time is an important part of infant development. Add to your baby’s time on the floor by putting brightly colored objects in front of him for him to reach out and grab. Continue to introduce textures and colors. You may also find that your baby enjoys “tummy time” when there are toys around.
3 to 4 Months
At some point around now, your baby will begin to develop depth perception. This helps him to understand that not everything is equidistant from him. Until he develops depth perception, he may randomly grab things but once he understands distance, he will grab things like earrings or jewelry much more easily! To help encourage his understanding of depth perception, hold objects in front of him for him to grab. While he won’t be crawling yet, he may also show an interest in “going after” something on the floor.
Note also that if your baby is still crossing his eyes, you should mention it to your pediatrician. Your pediatrician may want to do a follow up with a pediatric opthamologist.
4 to 6 Months
At some point around six months, your baby should have about 20/20 vision. He will begin recognizing differences in patterns as well as differences in colors. To stimulate your baby’s brain--play “peek a boo” with a favorite object. For example, take your baby’s rattle and hide it behind a blanket and then pull the blanket off saying, “Peek a Boo.” This is sure to delight but it also helps your baby begin to understand object permanence. Likewise, you can show only part of the baby’s rattle (or favorite toy) a little at a time. As he realizes what it is, he will show preference for it.
A Note About Vision Screening
Your baby’s eyesight should be checked in the hospital. However, if you notice that his eyes are crossing well after his third month or that as he gets older he seems to show no preference for a toy or object after seeing it, mentioning it to your pediatrician is a good idea.
Stimulating your baby’s eyesight not only helps his vision develop but it helps him learn about the world around him. Try it, it will do him good!
Best,
Childmark
