Your baby is born shortsighted and it will take a few weeks until they can fix their gaze on something and follow it as it moves across their visual field.
At first you baby will love to look into your face during feeds and cuddles and this distance -around 30cm- is the natural distance that they can focus.
Your baby will be able to see black and white and red toys best at first and their favourite thing to look at is your face.
Have lots of eye to eye contact and chats and you will see your baby watching you intently and trying to copy you by sticking out their tongue even from birth.
If you are concerned that your baby doesn't seem to see properly or if they don't seem to see you in their peripheral vision or turn to look when they hear your voice you should speak to your doctor and get their site tested.
You will notice that your baby often goes cross eyed at first and that is normal as they learn to control and co-ordinate the movement of their two eyes together.
However, if you are concerned that your baby has a permanent squint, case or stigmatism, especially if you have a family history of visual problems speak to your doctor.
About video: This video comes from The Essential Parent Company and feature our consultant paediatrician Dr Anna Maw.
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