Most babies are born with blue-grey eyes, but the colour may change during the first 6 months. A baby can see from birth, but fully mature vision takes a few years to develop. A newborn’s eyes may be puffy or have marks on the eyelids because of pressure from the birth; they will disappear.

A young baby may sometimes appear to squint; if this happens a lot or after she is six months old, you should seek advice from your health visitor or doctor.

Babies often get sticky or watery eyes because of blocked tear ducts. Most ducts clear within a few months, but it may take up to a year.

To clean the eyes, dip a piece of cotton wool in boiled water that has been allowed to cool down, and wipe once from the inner corner outward.

Massaging the lower lid from the middle to the inner corner and back can help to open the duct. If there is a pussy discharge or the eye becomes red, antibiotic eye drops may be needed.

New babies often have pads or blisters on the upper and lower lips from sucking; these will disappear. A white tongue or white patches in the mouth that do not rub off may be due to thrush.

It is common for babies to have a blocked or stuffy nose. Do not use decongestant drops unless prescribed by your doctor, and then only for a few days. Prolonged use can make the condition worse. Raising the mattress a little and using saline nose drops can help.

A normal baby can hear sounds from birth. If there is a discharge from an ear, you should speak to your doctor. Some babies may be born with no hair, but it will grow over time. Others may have lots of hair, which usually falls out gradually over a few months. It will then re-grow.

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