Babies begin learning faces very early in life, starting with a preference for familiar faces shortly after birth, and developing full recognition within a few months.
Baby Face Recognition Timeline
Here’s a more detailed timeline based on available studies:
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Newborns (0-2 months): Even with limited eyesight (around 12 inches), newborns show a preference for looking at familiar faces, especially those of their primary caregivers.
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2-4 Months: During this period, babies begin to recognize the faces of their primary caregivers.
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4 Months: By the 4-month mark, babies can recognize familiar faces and objects from a distance.
Summary Table:
| Age Range | Development |
|---|---|
| Newborns | Prefer looking at familiar faces. |
| 2-4 Months | Start to recognize primary caregiver faces. |
| 4 Months | Recognize familiar faces from a distance. |
Therefore, while babies show a preference for faces from birth, the ability to recognize familiar faces develops significantly between 2 to 4 months of age.
