When can babies see clearly and recognize colors?

Babies can see from birth, though at first your baby's vision is pretty fuzzy. In fact, babies start to see in the womb – their eyes open when you're 27 weeks pregnant, and in utero your little one can focus on large objects.

Newborns can't see clearly, but they can make out light, faces and large shapes, and movement. Interestingly, your newborn's eyes are physically capable of seeing well at birth, but their brain isn't ready to process all that visual information.

"Because they can't focus as well, sometimes newborns may have movements that appear abnormal, but are normal for newborns," says Chandani Patel DeZure, M.D., FAAP, a board-certified pediatrician and a member of the BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board. "However, if parents are worried, they should have their baby seen by their pediatrician."

Your baby's vision improves dramatically over the first year, and they'll be able to see pretty clearly by the time they're 8 months old.

By the time your baby is 3 to 4 months old, they can distinguish between colors and focus on smaller objects. At 4 months old, depth perception begins to develop. Your baby will get better at spotting little objects and tracking moving things with their eyes.

If your baby doesn't watch moving objects, or if they seem to have trouble moving one or both eyes in any direction by the time they're 4 months old, talk to their doctor. Routine well-child checkups include basic vision assessments, but kids usually don't have a formal vision screening until 3 or 4 years old.

Also, keep in mind that  if you have a premature baby, you'll want to count these vision milestones from their due date, not the day they were born.

How far can newborns see?

Newborns can see only about 6 to 10 inches away – just far enough to clearly make out the face of the person holding them. Handily enough, your face is the most interesting thing to your baby at this age, so be sure to put in a lot of face-to-face time.

At one week, your baby's central vision is still developing. They may be able to focus on an object dangled in front of them, but they won't yet be able to follow it with their eyes.

Because they can't focus as well, sometimes newborns may have movements that appear abnormal, but are normal for newborns.

- Dr. Chandi DeZure, pediatrician

How far can babies see at 1 month old?

Your baby can now see about 8 to 12 inches away. Although their eyes may still wander randomly and even cross at times, your baby is starting to be able to use their eyes in tandem so they can consistently focus both eyes and track a moving object.

A rattle passed in front of their face will often transfix them, or you can play eyes-to-eyes by getting very close to their face and slowly moving your head from side to side. Often, their eyes will lock onto yours.

How far can a 2-month-old see?

Your 2-month-old can see people and objects as far as 18 inches away. They may even be able to follow your movements when you're close by. Hand-eye coordination is beginning to form, and you may notice them reaching for objects.

Their eyes may continue to cross or wander as their visual development continues to improve; this is normal. If one eye is consistently turning in toward the nose or out, though, bring it up with your pediatrician. This could be a sign of eye muscle control issues.

How far can a 3-month-old see?

Your baby is now able to recognize familiar people and objects from several feet away, or even across a room. They're also getting better at telling the difference between colors.

As a result, your baby will probably begin to show a preference for bright primary colors and more detailed and complicated designs and shapes. Encourage this by showing your little one bright pictures, photos, books, and toys.

At 3 months old, your baby's depth perception isn't fully developed.

When can babies see color?

In your womb, around 27 weeks, your baby sees their first color – red!

Newborns can see bright colors, but the extent to which they can distinguish those colors is uncertain. Because they can tell the difference between light and dark, high-contrast books with black and white illustrations are ideal for infants.

Around 2 to 3 months old, your baby's color vision is advanced enough to distinguish between colors, especially red and green. They still won't be able to tell the difference between very similar colors or pastels. They'll enjoy playing with brightly colored objects close to their face.

Around 5 to 8 months old, your baby will be able to process the full spectrum of colors, though their color vision still won't be as advanced as that of an adult. They'll still naturally be attracted to bright colors over pastels.

When can babies focus and track objects?

During their first months of life, your newborn's retinas and brain are still forming connections that will allow them to focus and track objects.

At 1 month, they may be able to focus on an object within 3 inches of their face, but they won't be able to follow it with their eyes.

At 3 months, they'll be able to focus, track, and attempt to reach out for an object using their newly developing hand-eye coordination.

If your baby isn't consistently tracking objects by 4 months old, consult your pediatrician.

At 5 to 8 months, your baby's depth perception will be fully active. At this point, their ability to focus and track objects will converge with their hand-eye coordination and they'll be able to successfully reach for objects.

Watch out, they'll probably be grabbing for your glasses and hair!