In the U.S., vision disorders rank fourth in prevalence out of all disabilities, with most vision issues occurring during childhood. Despite this staggering statistic, many parents still lack knowledge when it comes to caring for their infants’ eyes.
Make sure you’re caring for your children’s eyes properly and are stimulating their development early on by following these tips:
From Birth to 4 Months
This is when infants begin learning hand-eye coordination and depth perception. You can help their development in the following ways, says the AOA:
- Use a nightlight in your baby’s room
- Change the position of their crib and the placement of the infant within
- Keep some toys around 8 to 12 inches from your child
- Talk to your baby while you walk around the room
- Hang a mobile above the crib
From 4 Months to 8 Months
Eye movement and coordination skills develop further. Give your baby the chance to explore different shapes and textures and play peek-a-boo.
At 6 Months
Infants should receive an eye assessment within their first year of life, preferably around the age of 6 months, recommends InfanSEE. Your doctor will test for congenital eye conditions and other problems while examining their vision, eye structure and alignment, explains BabyCenter.
At 8 Months to 12 Months
Babies start using both eyes equally, are able to judge distances and can throw with better precision. Allow your baby to crawl during this time to develop better coordination and also give them some stacking toys to play with.
From 1 Year to 2 Years
As coordination and depth perception continue to develop, you may encourage walking. Continue giving your child building blocks along with simple puzzles and the opportunity to better explore the world.
Infants also need protection from UV rays to prevent serious damage to their eyes. Real Kids has designed sunglasses for kids of all ages, including styles specifically for babies and toddlers. Visit our website today to learn more, and remember that with our current Facebook promotion, fans will receive a coupon code for 15 percent off their next purchase along with free shipping on orders of $25 or more.