VISUAL DEVELOPMENT:
9 – 12 MONTHS
Colours, distance & people
The colour of your baby’s eyes (iris) will change as they grow due to the amount of pigment called melanin. Once they reach about 9 months of age, the eyes have usually turned their final colour[1].
As babies begin to interact with the world around them, their eyesight assists them. Babies can now judge distances and grasp objects with thumb and forefinger[2]. They can recognise people and point to pictures in books[3].
[1] 20 Things to know about Children’s Eyes and Vision, American Academy of Ophthalmology (Dec 2019), https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/tips-children-eyes-vision
[2] Dosman CF, Andrews D, Goulden KJ. Evidence-based milestone ages as a framework for developmental surveillance. Paediatr Child Health. 2012;17(10):561-568. doi:10.1093/pch/17.10.561
[3] 18 Key Vision Questions, National Center for Children’s Vision and Eye Health at Prevent Blindness, 2009-2019.