Crossed eyes
Many infants have crossed eyes at times. Most often, this is due to the newborn’s young nervous system. Crossed eyes are most obvious when babies are drowsy. Talk with your provider if the crossing does not stop by 6 months of age or is very severe. Your baby may need to see a special eye doctor known as an ophthalmologist.
Eye color
Many infants have lighter-colored eyes at birth. As they gain more pigment (color) during the first several months of life, the eyes may become darker. By about 6 months of age, the eyes will begin to darken if they are going to do so. They will reach their final color by about 1 year of age.
Eye drainage
Some babies may have gooey or teary eyes — yellowish drainage in the first few days of life. This is usually harmless and will get better on its own in a few weeks or months. However, you should talk with your provider if one or both eyes are red or swollen, or if the drainage does not stop.
