It takes your baby's eyes some time to adjust to the world, so at first they might not always look or function the way you expect.
For example, it's perfectly normal in the first three months of life for your infant's eyes to be crossed, or for him not to be able to see much past your face when you're holding him.
Certain signs could indicate a problem. Talk with your baby's doctor if you notice any of the following:
In addition, once your baby is 3 months old, talk with the doctor if you notice any of the following:
You'll also want to have the doctor check your baby's eyes if they show any signs of a blocked tear duct or infection, such as pinkeye. These signs include excessive tearing, redness that lasts more than a few days, or pus or crust in her eyes.
Your baby's doctor can help you determine whether you should be concerned. The doctor may examine your child's eyes, screen his vision, or refer you to a medical eye specialist (ophthalmologist). If vision problems run in your baby's family, be sure to mention it.
See our complete article on strabismus (misaligned eyes) and amblyopia (lazy eye).
Before the next well-baby checkup, check out our complete article on what to expect when the doctor examines your baby's eyes.