Eye contact

[jadeyty]

My little boy is 18 weeks and I've noticed that he avoids giving me eye contact when I'm holding him. I try and get in his view but he just shifts his head. He gives me good eye contact when he's on changing mat, bath, bouncer etc. Just not when I'm holding him. I take him for swimming lessons and he barely looks at me...he just stares at the other babies, lights etc. Is this something to worry about? I feel like he doesn't like me more than any other person. He smiles at everyone the same.

Maybe when you are holding him he feels secure and therefore can take in other interesting sights/sounds of the world around him..babies /toddlers always seem to be interested in each other

Avoiding eye contact can be the first sign of overtiredness. DD used to look away whenever she was getting ready for a nap.

I think it is also normal that post newborn stage babies get very interested in the outside world. DD, for instance, hated being in the inward facing sling. She has always wanted to see what is going on around her. She also did not like being held on the shoulder - her favourite position was sitting on my/DH knee looking around.

In summary, there is nothing to worry about. Of course, your DS loves you and knows you are a very special person:).

I really wouldn't worry! He's just grabbing the chance to look at all the exciting things around him! My 4 month old is the same. If I'm holding her then she's trying to take everything in and won't look at me as she sees me all the time! Ha ha! If i talk to her she'll smile but still won't look at me.