Rapid eye movements in newborn when breastfeeding

[Username1233]

Baby is 4 weeks old today, I've noticed most times when I breast feed her, her eyes rapidly dart from side to side. She only does this when being fed. Is this normal?

[LapinR0se]

Totally normal and in fact might just be a light sleep

[Username1233]

@LapinR0se thanks for your reply! It's only when feeding but I've been worried it could be nystagmus, which I'm guessing would affect her all the time! X

[SouthCountryGirl]

@Username1233

@LapinR0se thanks for your reply! It's only when feeding but I've been worried it could be nystagmus, which I'm guessing would affect her all the time! X

I have Nystagmus. Yes it's constant but certain things do make it worse

[sleepymama3]

Both of mine did/ do this in the early weeks, I wouldn't worry unduly

[ViennaVogue]

Hey. I was just wondering how things were now? My little one is nearly four weeks and has done this 3x now. I was a little worried. Did you get it checked out? Do they still do it? Xx

[ViennaVogue]

And did they just stop doing it? My baby is doing this, she’s only 4 weeks. Seen it three times now. TIA xx

[SiouxsieSiouxStiletto]

@ViennaVogue totally normal at 4 weeks. They're still a newborn and make the oddest facial movements

[Blauehortensie]

Yes mine did this, and also sometimes when he wasn't feeding his eyes would 'flicker', initially doctor thought it was nystagmus and we were referred to Opthalmology but by about 6 months he stopped doing it and turned out to be nothing.

[JordaineM]

Hello, my baby is 10 weeks and I’ve just noticed him doing this a little when he’s feeding, usually when about to drop off. Also I saw him doing it whilst staring into space/his toy on his bouncer. I don’t know if this is something I should be worrying about?

[BeethovenNinth]

Mine did this and not just when feeding. It all went away.

[JordaineM]

Did you find out what caused it? I’m petrified of doing something wrong with him, I’ve worked myself up so much about it!

[krazipan]

My daughter did this and was diagnosed with nystagmus at 5 months because it never went away. My son also did this as a newborn and he doesn't have nystagmus so I wouldn't worry yet.
I have to say my daughter's nystagmus doesn't have a massive detrimental effect on her life or development.

[Mohammammy]

The phenomenon is absolutely normal, I think it may be due to the baby’s reflex. Rapid eye movements are often observed in infants during feeding and may be associated with various physiological processes, such as the development of the visual system or the search for a point of focus.

[JordaineM]

Thank you so much for the reassurance ❤️ I’ve got to try and not obsess and overthink! might be down to growing and eyes getting tired.

I went to the Dr this evening and his vision seems to be ok. I noticed a flick when he was looking at his teddy’s on the mobile but she didn’t seem concerned so just got to monitor it. He has a strawberry birthmark on his eyelid so been referred to a specialist about that and I assume they’ll check both eyes thoroughly then 🤞🏻

[BeethovenNinth]

It’s so easy to worry OP. Try to enjoy your gorgeous baby as it goes so quickly! I worried about so much and almost always it was ok