Staring in Babies – Is it Normal and Top Reasons

List of Things Babies Stare At

What is it that the babies stare at? This question boggles all new parents as they notice their infant staring curiously around them at different objects and people. The answer to this is babies are attracted to several things like

1. Attractive Faces

Studies indicate that infants prefer to stare at attractive or beautiful faces. From a baby which is a few days old, to a baby a few months old, all stare at attractive faces. So next time a baby is staring at you, it’s because they find you beautiful!

2. Moving Objects

Babies are attracted to all sorts of moving objects, the common favorite being ceiling fans. Almost all babies can stare at length at the ceiling fan, and you may find them smiling or cooing at it too! It is because of this reason that cot toys are so popular in the market. When placed on the cot or cradle, these toys keep rotating and the infant enjoys it.

[Read : When Will My Baby Give Her First Smile?]

3. Contrasting Images

Babies’ vision is developing and hence they are attracted to high-contrast or bright colored images and objects. That is the reason that flashcards with black-and-white imagery are becoming so popular these days. These high-contrast images help in baby’s vision development and stimulate their brains.

4. Distinct Features

Babies’ attention is easily caught by different and unique objects and features. Someone’s spectacles, someone’s red beard, purple hair, their unique nose ring, a distinct mole, a unique shaped toy, a different kind of texture– all such things attract babies. Babies can stare at them for long periods without getting bored.

5. Lights

Lights of any kind– on the walls, on a toy, on a vehicle, on the TV or mobile screen– all such objects engage the baby’s attention due to their bright lights and make them stare. That is the reason why it is not advisable to show babies TV screens or mobile phone screens. The lights in them are mesmerizing for the baby and since they don’t know when to stop staring, they end up getting addicted to them. Prolonged exposure to screen time can also cause vision problems in babies as they grow older.

6. Just Nothing

It is also seen that babies may sometimes just look at empty spaces as their vision is still developing. There is nothing to worry about at all. It is an indication that they are making efforts to see clearly.

Common Reasons For Staring in Babies

When babies start staring at people and objects, some parents start getting worried. But it is important to understand that staring is a common developmental milestone in babies. Sometimes babies stare for specific reasons. Here are a few ways in which you can interpret baby staring.

1. Communication

Staring is the baby’s way of communicating as they cannot speak or smile yet. They may stare at their mother or father when they want to be lifted or cuddled, for example.

2. Understanding the World

When babies are born their vision is between 20/200 to 20/400. They are very sensitive to light and cannot see far away objects. They can however see the objects and people who are in their peripheral vision or side vision. Hence, they tend to stare more toward their sides. They get fascinated with objects that move. For example, a baby will stare at the lip movement and the eye movement of a person who is speaking.

3. Tiredness and Sleepiness

It is normal for the baby to stare at their surroundings when they are extremely sleepy or tired. So, you may notice a baby staring at the wall before eventually falling asleep.

4. Attraction or Interest

The babies stare at things that grab their attention and those they find interesting. It could be a fan, curtain, toy, a face– anything.

[Read : Newborn Baby Cross Eyed]

When Should You Worry About Staring in Babies?

Though staring is normal for babies, still you should consult a doctor if you notice some alarming signs like-

• The pupils of the baby’s eyes look white or appear cloudy.
• The baby’s eyes appear to be crossed or seem like wandering.
• The baby is not paying attention to faces or objects even after two months of age.
• The baby is unable to track any moving objects at 4 months of age.

Babies go through a lot of developmental changes within the first year of their lives. They will develop a better vision and will start staring and enhancing their observation power and understanding. Yet, if there is anything that bothers you as a parent, it is better to consult a pediatrician.

[Read : Do Babies Get Bored]

FAQ’s

1. Why Does My Baby Stare Off Into Space?

The baby stares into space or just looks at nothing. This could be due to surroundings, something which is eye-catching or simply looking out of boredom or tiredness.

2. Is it Possible For a Baby to Have a Staring Disorder?

This is a rare case. Yet there are some babies who stare and do not respond. Babies with staring disorders have cyclical vomiting and seizures as well.

3. Why is My Baby Looking Up?

Newborn babies lie on their back for most of the day and are used to looking up. Their vision will tend to change only when they are held in arms. As time passes and the baby grows, the head control movement gets better and so does their eye vision.

Read Also: When will, my Baby understand Words, Behaviour and People