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What Causes Lack Of Eye Contact With New Born Child?

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Posted on Mon, 24 Aug 2015
Question: my son born on 36 weeks 4 days on July 10,2015. he doesn't make eye contact yet. he doesn't seem to look at my face when I look at him or nurse him. Is it normal?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Archana Verma (32 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Don't worry

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to the HCM

Normally parents typically notice the first direct eye contact from their baby at around 6 to 8 weeks of age. However, there is a much wider range that is still considered normal, and some perfectly normal, healthy babies don't initiate eye contact till 3 months of age. So don't worry at present as it's too early.

In case your baby doesn't meet your direct gaze after the age of 3 months, it could indicate a potential developmental issue or a physical problem that needs medical attention. Talk to his pediatrician about evaluating his vision, as well as his psychological development.

Hopefully this will help you. I would be glad to help you in any further questions.

Take care
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar
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Follow up: Dr. Archana Verma (11 minutes later)
thank you doctor. I have another question. since he was born at 36 weeks 4 days should we track his developments as per his birth date or his adjusted age?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Archana Verma (8 hours later)
Brief Answer:
You may wait 3 extra weeks to the range of development

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Whether a baby is premature or not, there's no way to predict exactly when he'll hit milestones. Instead, there's a "range of normal" that spans when most babies accomplish these big developmental goals.

For preemies, many pediatricians recommend using an "adjusted age" to determine this range. Adjusted age helps level the playing field by taking into account just how early your baby was born. After all, had your baby not been premature, he would have had a lot more time in your womb to get ready before he was expected to achieve milestones!

When you use an adjusted age, the range of normal gets shifted. So, although your baby was near term, you may add 3-4 weeks to the upper limit of range of development.

Hopefully this will help you.

Take care
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
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Dr. Archana Verma

Pediatrician

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 1129 Questions

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What Causes Lack Of Eye Contact With New Born Child?

Brief Answer: Don't worry Detailed Answer: Hi Welcome to the HCM Normally parents typically notice the first direct eye contact from their baby at around 6 to 8 weeks of age. However, there is a much wider range that is still considered normal, and some perfectly normal, healthy babies don't initiate eye contact till 3 months of age. So don't worry at present as it's too early. In case your baby doesn't meet your direct gaze after the age of 3 months, it could indicate a potential developmental issue or a physical problem that needs medical attention. Talk to his pediatrician about evaluating his vision, as well as his psychological development. Hopefully this will help you. I would be glad to help you in any further questions. Take care