Babies begin to see color within the first few weeks after birth, with their color vision developing gradually. By about 1 month, babies can detect brightness and intensity of colors, and by 2 to 4 months, they start to see basic colors, such as red. Their color vision becomes fully developed around 4 to 5 months old, when they can perceive a wide range of colors and even different shades. However, their ability to see colors vividly and in detail continues to improve over time, reaching adult-like saturation sensitivity only much later in childhood or adolescence.
Key Points on Baby Color Vision Development:
- Newborns mostly see in black and white, with limited color perception initially.
- By 2 weeks, babies start to recognize a wider range of light and dark shades.
- Around 1 month, brightness and intensity of colors become noticeable.
- By 2 to 4 months, babies can distinguish several basic colors, including red.
- Full color vision with ability to discriminate various shades is generally achieved by about 4 to 5 months of age.
- Color perception continues maturing well into childhood, with full saturation sensitivity developing even later.
This indicates newborns have an evolving ability to see and differentiate colors starting shortly after birth and achieving mature color vision within the first half-year of life.