Can new born see colours

Newborn babies are not able to see colors in the same way that adults do. In fact, their color vision is limited to shades of gray and black and white.

Here's why:

  1. Immature retinas: Newborn babies' retinas are still developing and are not yet fully mature. The retina is responsible for converting light into electrical signals that the brain interprets as color.
  2. Limited cone cells: The retina contains specialized cells called cone cells that are responsible for detecting different wavelengths of light and allowing us to see colors. Newborn babies have limited cone cells, which means they can only detect a limited range of colors.
  3. No long-wavelength cones: Newborn babies lack long-wavelength cones, which are responsible for detecting red light. This means they can't see red colors.

What can newborns see?

Newborn babies can see:

  1. Shades of gray: They can detect different shades of gray, which helps them distinguish between light and dark.
  2. Black and white: They can see black and white, which is important for detecting contrast and recognizing shapes.
  3. Movement: Newborns can detect movement and changes in brightness, which helps them track objects and people.

When do babies develop color vision?

Babies' color vision develops gradually over the first few months of life. By around 4-6 months, they can start to see some colors, such as:

  1. Reds and oranges: Babies can detect longer wavelengths of light, which allows them to see some red and orange colors.
  2. Yellows and greens: By around 6-8 months, babies can start to see yellows and greens.

By around 12 months, babies' color vision is similar to that of adults, and they can see a wide range of colors.

So, while newborn babies can't see colors in the same way as adults, their vision is still developing and will improve over time!