Toddler Care

To help your toddler develop healthy vision:

Protect your toddler’s eyes from sun exposure. Use sunglasses with 99‑100% UVA and UVB protection.
Provide healthy food.
Show visual things to your toddler (mobiles, colourful images, patterns).
Encourage your toddler to climb, play with a ball and big puzzles, build with blocks, and look at books.
Do not allow your toddler to play with sharp items (darts, scissors, or any pointed object).
Limit the amount of TV your toddler watches to no more than 1 hour a day, if any.
Keep your toddler at least three metres (eight to ten feet) away from a TV screen.

Here are some signs that could mean your toddler is having problems with vision:

Difficulty following objects or people with eyes.
Constantly rubbing eyes, squinting, or frowning.
Blinking more than usual.
Complaining that his or her head hurts.
Closing one eye or tilting or holding the head in an unusual position when trying to look at an object.
Difficulty finding or picking up small objects dropped on the floor (after 12 months of age).
Difficult focusing or making eye contact.
Eyes are red or watery or have a discharge.
Eyes appear to be crossed or turned after 6 months of age (you may notice this in a photo of your toddler).

If you think your toddler has a vision problem, see your eye doctor, doctor, or public health nurse.

Toddler wearing sunglasses