Answers to Common Questions

Vision and eye development

A newborn can see you at 30 to 40 cm away. They will fix their eyes on your face when held close. 

Babies’ eyes may appear crossed at times during the first 2 to 3 months of life until eye control develops.

Permanent eye colour will occur between 3 months and 1 year of age.

Tears do not appear for several weeks after birth.

Newborn behaviours

A newborn may sneeze a lot and their breathing may sound noisy at times. 

Hiccups are common during the first month of life. 

Most babies jerk and twitch when they are falling asleep. They may also tremble, especially if undressed. 

Check out the Here Comes Baby - Newborn Behaviour (video) from Parenting in Ottawa for more information about newborn behaviours.

Soft spots (fontanels)

The soft spots on the baby’s head cannot be damaged by normal handling and are usually closed by 18 months of age.