When do babies start making eye contact?

[PrincessOfWails]

DS2 is 4 1/2 weeks. He looks around him, smiles (possibly wind!) but doesn't make eye contact with me.
Is this normal?

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Didn't want to leave this unanswered. I don't know the medical facts but I did experience this myself. Ds1 rarely made eye-contact with me at the age you state. I got very upset as it seemed like he was deliberately avoiding my eyes and I started to think there was something seriously wrong.

I mentioned it to my HV at 5 weeks or so and she tested his eyes by seeing if he'd follow a pen which he did. She pointed out that there are a lot of other things for him to look at that are new and interesting - despite the fact that many baby books seem to state that ALL babies love gazing into your eyes ALL the time. This is not necessarily the case.

He smiled right at me into my eyes at 6 weeks - he's 4 now and no problems with eyesight or bond with me.

I think it is normal for him not to look at you a lot but he should be able to, iyswim. He is probably absolutely fine but ask gp or hv if you're worried.

DD1 would look everywhere but at me for weeks, at least till 6 weeks, maybe longer. She is now a happy and normal 2yo.

DD2 looked at me at birth and hasn't stopped since. They're all different.

My ds is 13 weeks old and only started tracking things closely at 11 weeks and even now rarely gives eye contact!

Thanks everyone! I had admittedly got a bit down reading the books which talk about constant eye contact...he can make eye contact but immediately looks away! His vision is fine, he's focusing and can follow things, but just isn't particularly keen at looking into people's eyes! Obviously I'll watch the situation, but thanks for the reassurance!

Making eye contact does not necessary mean that your little one will keep staring into your eyes ;). Mine was attracted to a lamp more than me in the first few months. I don't think you have anything to worry about :)

there are so many interesting things for baby to look at - it's too early to worry about that just yet

My DD never really did eye contact, probably until about 3 months. I too read all the books and articles about how your baby 'will gaze constantly into your eyes' and worried myself sick about it!

She is now a completely happy and healthy 2.9 yr old, very affectionate, articulate and happy

I' m watching a Carrot or Stick? A Horizon Guide to Raising Kids program on the bbc iplayer and a psychologist (from the 60's but children can't be that different now right?:)) just said that children start making eye contact with others at about 6 weeks- so no wonder yours is not doing it yet!
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b0135mty/Carrot_or_Stick_A_Horizon_Guide_to_Raising_Kids/

6-8 weeks is the age you'd expect it - about the same time as smiling and settling down a bit generally.

Eye contact for my ds didn't really reach long staring levels until the filthy eye-balling of toddler tantrums.

Seriously though, at that age he'd look, but not often hold.

Thanks - he is changing every day and does look at things more now than he used to. He doesn't really smile either, but I guess tiredness made me worry about the eye contact!
He's my second DS but I can't remember anything about this stage with DS1. Weird.

Update would be appreciated??

I know this is an old post but I was wondering if you had an update. My son doesn’t make a lot of eye contact and it’s really concerning me. Thanks!