How to Know If a Baby Recognizes People

One of the first milestones a baby reaches in terms of development is the ability to recognize people. There are different ways a baby recognizes people. At first from senses such as smell and sound, then, after eyesight develops, by sight. Those close to a baby are the first ones a baby recognizes. Then as a baby gets older, others become familiar. Read on to learn how to know if a baby recognizes people.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Watch for signs of recognition of the mother in the first few days. The baby's mother is the first person a baby recognizes. Mostly, this is done by smell, especially if a baby is breastfed.

2. Look for other frequent visitors to be recognized in the first few weeks. Dad, and other frequent visitors, such as siblings or grandparents, don't take long for a baby to recognize. This is still done by senses other than sight, since a baby's vision isn't very good yet.

3. Be patient. In the first few months of life, a baby's eyesight gets much better. Within the first year, a baby will recognize people by sight. Some babies develop later than others, but a baby should be able to recognize people by the time he's one.

4. Note that infrequent visitors will take longer to recognize. Don't expect a baby to recognize someone she's only seen once or twice. Until a baby is a year old or older, her memory isn't that great.

5. See a pediatrician if there are concerns. The child's doctor can answer any questions or address any concerns if the baby is believed to have any developmental delays or vision problems.