how far can 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 as blurry as if they were 400 feet away to an adult.
  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 20/200, and by 4-6 months, they can see objects clearly at a distance of several feet.

Here are some age-related milestones in visual development:

  • 1-2 months: Can see objects up to 2-3 feet away
  • 2-4 months: Can track moving objects more easily
  • 4-6 months: Can see objects clearly at a distance of several feet
  • 6-12 months: Can see objects at a distance of 10-15 feet

Keep in mind that these are general guidelines, and every baby’s visual development may vary slightly. If you have concerns about your baby’s vision, it’s always best to consult with your pediatrician.

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