Yes, babies can see in dim light, and in fact, they may actually prefer it to bright light, especially in the early weeks.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
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Newborn Vision: A newborn's vision typically ranges from 20/200 to 20/400. This means they can see objects at 20 feet that someone with 20/20 vision can see at 200 to 400 feet. Their vision is blurry, and they don't perceive details as sharply as older children or adults.
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Sensitivity to Light: Newborns' eyes are very sensitive to bright light. This is why they often squint or close their eyes in brightly lit environments.
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Preference for Dim Light: Because their eyes are so sensitive, babies are often more comfortable and likely to open their eyes in dim or low-light conditions. This doesn't mean they see perfectly clearly in dim light, but rather that they tolerate it better than bright light.
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Visual Development: As babies grow, their vision improves significantly. Their eyesight sharpens, their depth perception develops, and their ability to focus on objects at different distances increases. Their sensitivity to light also decreases as they mature.
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Example: Think about how you might dim the lights in a nursery. This isn't just for aesthetics; it's often more comfortable for the baby's eyes.
In summary, while a newborn's vision is limited and blurry, they can see in dim light and may even prefer it because their eyes are very sensitive to bright light. Over time, their vision will develop and improve.
