My Baby Won't Make Eye Contact... Should I Worry?

Wondering why your newborn looks sideways or doesn't seem to make much eye contact? Learn what newborns can actually see, how eye contact develops, and how you can support early communication through simple moments of connection.

Does your newborn look sideways, look away, or seem more interested in everything around them than your face?

This explores what newborns can actually see and how eye contact develops in the first few months. Newborns have developing vision and see best at around 20 to 30 centimetres, which is about the distance between your face and your baby's face during feeding.

A baby can communicate and connect with you without constantly making eye contact. Looking at your face, listening to your voice, responding to your expressions, and sharing little moments are all part of early communication.

When babies experience these everyday moments of connection, they begin to learn that people are interesting, responsive, and safe.

What research tells us?

Research on early development shows that newborns' vision is still developing after birth. Babies gradually become better at looking at faces, following movement, and coordinating their eyes as their visual system matures.

Eye contact does not need to be taught or practised. Communication begins through shared moments, such as hearing your voice, seeing your face, being comforted, and experiencing your responses.

Communication does not have to start with perfect eye contact. It can begin with a glance, a sound, a facial expression, a movement, or simply enjoying time together.

What activities can you do?

You can support your baby's early communication through simple everyday moments.

Get close during calm, awake moments. Bring your face around 20 to 30 centimetres from your baby's face, smile, talk, and give them time to look at you.

Use feeding time. Whether breastfeeding or bottle feeding, your baby is naturally positioned close to your face. Talk, smile, use different facial expressions, and pause to give them opportunities to respond.

Try parentese. Use a warm, sing-song voice when talking to your baby. “Helloooo!” and “There you are!” can naturally capture their attention and make interactions enjoyable.

Let your baby look away. If they turn away, yawn, close their eyes, or become unsettled, give them a break. Pause and let them return to the interaction when they are ready.

Watch the video

In this video, we explore what newborns can actually see, when eye contact develops, and whether you should be encouraging it. You'll learn simple ways to support your baby's early communication through connection, feeding, talking, and everyday interactions.

These moments don't need to be complicated. Connection comes first, and communication grows from there.