Nystagmus in Babies: Causes & When to Check | Parenting Hub
Persistent rhythmic eye movements in a baby are called nystagmus and need an eye specialist assessment.
If your baby's eyes make repeated, rhythmic side-to-side or up-and-down movements, ask your GP for an eye specialist referral.
What it looks like
Both eyes move together in a repeated, rhythmic pattern — usually side-to-side, sometimes up-and-down or circular. Newborns can have brief jerky eye movements that settle by 2–3 months; persistent nystagmus does not.
What to do
Mention it to your GP or maternal child health nurse. They'll usually refer to a paediatric ophthalmologist to look for causes and support vision development.
When to seek help
- Persistent rhythmic eye movements beyond 2–3 months
- Sudden new wobble after illness or head injury
- Other neurological signs — poor feeding, floppy tone, missed milestones
Common questions
Does it mean poor vision?
Not always — but because it can affect vision development, early assessment is important.