Baby Development: Focusing

A baby's ability to focus enables him to develop motor skills, such as reaching for objects and grasping toys. When he can focus on faces, he will begin to recognize loved ones. Babies begin to develop this skill within the first month of birth. A delay in the development of a baby's ability to focus can result in him not developing early motor skills or the ability to interact with people.

  1. Stimulus

    • Stimulation helps babies develop the ability to focus. Bright patterns enable babies to see objects and are of significant interest to infants. This includes mobiles, which should be at least 10 inches above your baby. You are a great stimulus for your baby. Make eye contact and talk to your baby while moving your head slowly in different directions.

    Newborn

    • Newborns react to bright colors and larger objects in the first few weeks of life. She will begin to focus on objects that are close to her face--between 8 and 15 inches. As this ability strengthens, infants will be able to follow those objects as they move. While following an object's movement, however, infants may get a cross-eyed look, because their eye muscles are still a bit weak at this stage.

    One Month

    • By the time your baby is 1 month old, his eyes do not cross as often when following an object. To help this skill continue to develop, use shiny and bright toys to move in front of the baby's face. It is also a great time for connection with your baby. If you put your face close to the baby and move your head, babies will often focus on your eyes and follow you.

    Three Months

    • At 3 months old, babies can see more clearly and are able to focus on objects at a much longer distance. He will look for objects and may begin to try and touch things. Stares are longer and following objects that move is a much easier task. Bright colors are still a major draw for babies at this age.

    Premature

    • Premature babies need a little more help developing the ability to focus. Let the baby focus on one object at a time and give her a chance for plenty of rest after activities. Interacting with your baby is also a good way to stimulate her senses.

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