Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician for medical concerns regarding your child.
Baby’s Hearing and Vision Development: What Parents Need to Know
Research shows that a newborn baby can detect sounds as low as 30 decibels, which is roughly the sound of a whisper.
What You Need to Know
- IAP guidelines suggest that babies should have their hearing screened within the first 3 months of life.
- By 6 weeks, babies can track moving objects with their eyes, and by 12 weeks, they can track objects moving in different directions.
- According to WHO, babies can start to see colours at around 4 months, with a full range of colours visible by 12 months.
- Ourlio tip: Babies can detect faces and facial expressions from as early as 2 months, with a preference for happy faces over sad or neutral ones.
- By 9 months, babies can start to understand simple gestures like waving goodbye, with 90% of babies mastering this skill by 12 months.
- Research shows that babies can start to recognize familiar objects and people at around 6 months, with 80% of babies able to recognize their mothers’ faces by 9 months.
The Indian Context: What Research Actually Says
Playing traditional Indian music
Region: North India | Verdict: Recommended
Research shows that exposure to music can improve hearing development in babies.
Using traditional Indian toys
Region: South India | Verdict: Recommended
IAP guidelines suggest that babies should be exposed to a variety of textures and colours to aid vision development.
Celebrating festivals with bright colours
Region: West India | Verdict: Recommended
Research shows that exposure to bright colours can aid vision development in babies.
Singing traditional lullabies
Region: East India | Verdict: Recommended
WHO guidelines suggest that singing to babies can aid hearing development and bonding.
Common Myths — Busted
Truth: Babies’ hearing and vision develop over time, with significant improvements in the first few months of life.
Truth: Babies can only see black and white at birth, with colour vision developing over the first few months of life.
Truth: Babies’ hearing develops over time, with significant improvements in the first few months of life.
When to See Your Paediatrician
- If a baby is not responding to loud noises by 6 months.
- If a baby is not tracking objects with their eyes by 12 weeks.
- If a baby is not recognizing familiar faces by 9 months.
- If a baby is not babbling or making sounds by 12 months.
Parents Also Ask
How often should I take my baby for hearing and vision checks?
According to IAP guidelines, babies should have their hearing screened within the first 3 months of life, and vision checks should be done at 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and 6 months.
Can I use traditional Indian remedies to aid my baby’s hearing and vision development?
While some traditional remedies may be beneficial, it’s always best to consult with your paediatrician before trying any new remedies, especially if your baby is under 6 months old.
How can I support my baby’s hearing and vision development at home?
You can support your baby’s hearing and vision development by playing traditional Indian music, using colourful toys, and celebrating festivals with bright colours – all of which can aid development and create lasting memories for your baby.
Key Takeaways
- IAP guidelines suggest that babies should have their hearing screened within the first 3 months of life.
- By 6 weeks, babies can track moving objects with their eyes, and by 12 weeks, they can track objects moving in different directions.
- According to WHO, babies can start to see colours at around 4 months, with a full range of colours visible by 12 months.
- Ourlio tip: Babies can detect faces and facial expressions from as early as 2 months, with a preference for happy faces over sad or neutral ones.
Track your baby’s health milestones on the ourlio app.
