As a parent, watching your baby reach their developmental milestones is both exciting and crucial. Vision development is a significant part of your infant’s overall growth, and understanding these milestones can help ensure your child’s eyes are healthy. Here’s what you need to know about the visual milestones in the first year of life.

Birth to Three Months

In the earliest weeks of life, infants begin to develop their vision, although it’s not as sharp as that of an adult. During this period, you may notice:

• Initial Focus: Your baby will start to look at objects 8-10 inches away — approximately the distance to your face when feeding.
• Following Movements: By around three months, infants can track moving objects with their eyes, which is crucial for their visual development.
• Recognizing Colors: Babies begin to see and gradually distinguish colors, with a preference for bright primary shades.

Four to Six Months

This period is marked by significant advances in how babies see the world:

• Improved Coordination: Your infant’s ability to grasp objects and better eye-hand coordination begins to develop, indicating growing visual and motor development.
• Depth Perception: The ability to judge distances and see the world in three dimensions starts to emerge as the eyes begin to work together more efficiently.

Seven to Twelve Months

As your baby approaches their first birthday, expect to see more exciting developments:

• Exploring the World: Babies are now using their vision to learn about the world around them. They can recognize familiar faces and objects at a distance.
• Developing Visual Acuity: The clarity of vision continues to improve, allowing your baby to see smaller details.

It’s important to monitor these milestones closely. While variations are normal, significant delays or deviations might require professional evaluation. Regular eye check-ups are crucial, as some vision issues may not be immediately apparent but can have lasting impacts if not addressed early.

Remember, Early Detection is Key

If you have concerns about your child’s vision at any stage, don’t hesitate to contact a professional. Early intervention is vital in managing and treating potential vision problems, ensuring your child enjoys good visual health as they grow.

Need Help? Call Us Today!

If you’re ever unsure about your child’s vision development or just need expert advice, please give us a call at (587) 355-5433. Our friendly team of eye care specialists in Calgary is here to assist you with any concerns or questions you might have!