Congratulations! Your baby’s eyes can now open and close, which may be associated with sleeping as your baby now has regular sleep-and-wake cycles.

The most fascinating milestone at this period, perhaps, is your baby’s first stage of sight. Previously at 9 weeks, your baby’s rudimentary eyelids have fused shut, but at 27 weeks, they are finally opened. The retinas are undergoing rapid development to practice receiving light and sending it to the brain.

Even more interesting is the set of eyelashes that your baby may now be batting at 27 weeks. It is a beautiful attribute upon birth, but it actually protects your baby’s eyes from irritants.