When Does Baby Recognize Faces?
- Babies can start recognizing faces, especially their primary caregiver’s, as early as two months old, and this ability develops throughout their first year.
- At birth, babies recognize caregivers more by voice and scent, but by 2-4 months, they begin to visually identify familiar faces and enjoy looking at reflections.
- By 6-9 months, babies can distinguish familiar and unfamiliar faces, often seeking comfort from known faces, and by 15-18 months, they can recognize themselves in mirrors.
In the early weeks and months of life, you’ll notice baby is looking at you more and able to coordinate their eyes to focus better. But do they actually know who you are?
Yes, baby can recognize you at a very young age!
Research shows babies can identify a face pretty early on. As baby’s primary caregiver, you’ll be one of the first faces they recognize! Some studies show babies start recognizing faces at as young as two months old. It’s a 0-3 month communication milestone to show interest in faces and make eye contact.
Baby’s ability to recognize faces develops throughout the first year, as their vision improves and their communication and sensory skills develop. See how baby’s ability to recognize faces develops.
At birth
Baby is only able to see about 8-12 inches in front of their face. So bring your face close to baby so they can see you! Skin-to-skin contact can help with this. In these early days, they more likely recognize you by the sound of your voice or your scent.
By about 2 months
Some studies show baby can start visually recognizing faces at this very young age! Because they see your face the most, they’ll recognize you first. Try doing the eye-level smile Tummy Time position so baby gets extra time to stare at you!
By about 4 months
Baby is continuing to get better at recognizing faces, including their own! Use mirrors to play with baby— they’ll love seeing themselves. However, baby may just think of their face in the mirror as another face, not their own. “Self-recognition,” which is the awareness of seeing your own body or face, doesn’t happen until a later age.
By about 6 months
Now that baby knows the faces of people closest to them, they’ll also start to realize when a face is new. If you notice baby seems a little afraid of unfamiliar faces, that’s ok and expected at this age! Baby may look to familiar faces for comfort at this age. Learn more about helping baby if they have “stranger anxiety.”
By about 9 months
Baby’s vision is improving! They can see further distances, and can now recognize you from across a room. Recognizing faces isn’t just about people— baby will also begin to recognize faces on their favorite stuffed animal!
By about 15-18 months
This is when baby begins to recognize their own reflection as themselves. Yes, baby recognizes you long before they recognize themselves! Self-recognition helps with building confidence and independence.
