How the Body Works: Perceptual Development

The baby's developing visual acuity allows him to discriminate between lines one-eighth of an inch apart. Later an interest in form develops and he prefers to look at complex geometric shapes. Gradually he prefers to stare at even more intricate patterns and after another month can distinguish between lines one-sixty-fourth of an inch apart. Interest in color, primarily red and blue, occurs before an interest in faces. Awareness of size develops in advance of shape and color discrimination. The child has now acquired most of the basic visual skills.