What babies can see, by age
| Age | What they can see |
|---|---|
| Newborn | Light, shapes, faces and movement, best at about 8 to 12 inches |
| 3 months | Can focus on faces and close objects, and follow something moving |
| 4 months | Often reach for close objects, and are better at seeing colors and shades |
| 6 months | Can see differences between objects and use them to tell things apart |
| 3 to 5 years | A child with normal vision typically sees as well as an adult |
Newborn eyes
A newborn sees best at about the distance from their eyes to yours during a feed. Their eyes may wander or cross at first, which should go away by 2 to 3 months.
Eye checks
Your pediatrician examines your baby’s eyes at routine well-child visits. Catching a problem early matters, so bring up anything you’re unsure about.
Sources
This guide is for information only and is based on AAP guidance. It isn’t medical advice and doesn’t replace a doctor. Guidance can differ between countries, so follow your doctor’s advice and your local health service. If you have any concern about your baby’s health, always contact your doctor. In an emergency, call your local emergency number. Babies develop at their own pace. If you’re worried about your baby’s development, contact your pediatrician.