Observing a newborn’s eyes can be a source of wonder, but parents often become concerned when they witness strange, erratic eye movements. These motions, which can look like the eyes are wandering or crossing uncontrollably, are extremely common and are almost always a normal part of the visual system’s initial development. This phenomenon is a sign that the complex visual machinery is still learning how to function as a coordinated unit. Understanding the mechanics behind these movements and the typical timeline for their resolution can offer reassurance.
The Types of Normal Uncoordinated Eye Movements
The movements that parents describe as “crazy” typically fall into two main categories: misalignment and independent wandering. One of the most frequently observed is intermittent strabismus, a temporary crossing or turning of one or both eyes. This misalignment can appear as an eye turning inward (esotropia) or drifting outward (exotropia). These brief misalignments are normal, especially when the baby is tired or attempting to focus on a nearby object.
Another common observation is a disconjugate gaze, where the eyes fail to move together in parallel. The eyes may seem to roam independently, often called roving eye movements. This lack of coordination is a temporary phase as the infant’s brain attempts to establish control over the eye muscles during the first few months of life.
Why Newborn Eyes Are Not Yet Coordinated
The erratic movements result from an immature neurological and muscular system that is not yet fully integrated. The eyes are controlled by six muscles that must work in precise synchrony to point both eyes at the same target. While the extraocular muscles are present in a newborn, the brain’s ability to send precise, coordinated signals to them is underdeveloped.
The area of the brain responsible for controlling eye alignment is still in its earliest stages of development. For the first few months, the visual cortex and associated neural pathways are learning to process visual input and generate corresponding motor commands simultaneously. This explains why the eyes can look disassociated as the brain attempts to fuse two separate images into a single, three-dimensional view. This developmental period establishes the precise communication required for conjugate gaze, the ability to move both eyes in the same direction at the same time.
When Do Eye Movements Become Coordinated
The timeline for the resolution of these uncoordinated movements is predictable. Most intermittent crossing and wandering should begin to subside around two to three months of age. This is when the infant starts to develop better visual fixation and the ability to follow objects smoothly past the midline.
The development of true binocular vision—the ability to seamlessly merge the images from both eyes into one clear image with depth perception—typically occurs between three and four months. By the time an infant reaches six months of age, they should have well-developed conjugate gaze, meaning their eyes consistently move as a coordinated team.
Signs That Require a Doctor’s Attention
While most erratic eye movements are benign, certain signs suggest a professional evaluation is needed. The most important distinction to watch for is the persistence of misalignment. If the eyes are constantly crossing or drifting apart after four months of age, it requires an examination by a pediatrician or pediatric ophthalmologist.
Other concerning signs include eyes that exhibit constant, rapid, and involuntary twitching, known as nystagmus, which is distinct from the occasional roving movements of a newborn. Additionally, if your baby is unable to fixate on and follow an object by three to four months, or if one or both eyes appear cloudy or have an abnormal white reflex, these symptoms should be addressed promptly.