Can a newborn see his parents' faces clearly? And does a baby respond to black-and-white more than color?
By Lillian Beard, M.D.
Although newborns are not able to see their parents' faces clearly, it is believed that they can see the outlines of their images. Between a baby's 6th and 10th weeks of age, objects and faces become more clearly defined. However, a baby learns very early how to distinguish his parents and primary caregivers from others by their voice, their scent, and their method of handling and comforting him.
Studies have shown that newborns are more visually stimulated by large black-and-white objects than by colorful ones.
Lillian Beard, M.D.
Pediatrics
Lillian M. Beard, M.D, a Fellow of the American
Academy of Pediatrics, is an associate clinical
professor at the George Washington University School
of Medicine and Health Sciences in Washington, D.C.
She is a frequent guest expert and spokesperson on national
television programs, discussing issues related to children's health.
Dr. Beard practices pediatrics in Washington, D.C.
