how far can a newborn see

Newborn babies can see, but their vision is limited compared to adults. Here are some key facts about a newborn’s vision:

1. Distance: Newborns can see objects clearly up to 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) away. This is roughly the distance between their face and their caregiver’s face during feeding or cuddling.
2. Visual acuity: Newborns have a visual acuity of around 20/400, which means they can see objects that are 20 feet away, but they would appear blurry and unclear. For comparison, normal adult vision is 20/20.
3. Field of vision: Newborns have a limited field of vision, estimated to be around 45 degrees. This means they can see a relatively narrow area in front of them, but not much to the sides.
4. Color vision: Newborns can detect differences in brightness and darkness, but their color vision is not fully developed. They can see shades of gray and white, but may not be able to distinguish between different colors.
5. Tracking objects: Newborns can track moving objects, but only if they are close and moving slowly.

It’s worth noting that a newborn’s vision develops rapidly in the first few months of life. By around 6-8 weeks, their visual acuity improves to around 20/100, and by 6 months, it’s around 20/50. By 12 months, their vision is close to adult levels.

Keep in mind that every baby is different, and some may develop their vision more quickly or slowly than others. If you have concerns about your baby’s vision, it’s always best to consult with your pediatrician.