Smiling, looking into your newborns eyes you study the infant. Standing next to your bedside, the infant catches a glimpse of his father, turning his head his eyes adjust on the new figure before him. Unable to hold the gaze for long the child focuses his eyes in various positions.

Infants are born with less than perfect vision as they need to learn to control their eye muscles and learn to see. Although able to see movement and dark contrasting colors a baby has under developed vision. With-in a week the child will be able to focus on his mothers face.

Color and depth perception take time to develop in the baby. Contrasts of dark colors train the underdeveloped eyes to focus at varying depths. Purchasing items such as a mobile that hangs over the crib can increase your child's ability to strengthen their eye sight. Toys in the crib can also be beneficial in training their vision.

Babies born before the 40 week gestation period may take longer for their eye sight to develop. Usually the infants eyes are weak causing an inward view to form the look of crossed eyes. After 3 months, the eyes should be strong enough to hold a gaze at different depths without crossing. If your child continues to cross his eyes after 3 months you should seek an appointment with an eye doctor or his physician.

Learn more about this author, Alisa Mantall.
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