Totally stupid question, but please ease my fears

GuitaristsGirl

Okay, here it is:  Can a camera flash hurt a baby's eyes?

At every family gathering there are at least 2, usually 3, ginormous cameras in DS's face the entire time.  (As in, each shot is taken 3 times.)  He doesn's like it - he blinks/ closes his eyes every time - but at the same time I don't think he's he's *hyper* sensitive to it (as in, any more than the next kid).   

On one hand, I can't *imagine* that it could really be a problem.  On the other hand, I just feel so bad for the little guy.  I really want to suggest that just one person take photos for each get-together, with the promise to email the photos around to everyone immediately afterwards.  But I feel like I'm also just being silly    

kme930

I'll be interested to see what people say. Here are my thoughts:

I am adamant about people not using a flash on my DS. Since day 1, I've told everyone - no flash. All the grandparents are annoyed with me because I won't let them take a picture of DS in a dark restaurant with a crappy point and shoot camera. Especially my mom.

That said, if you look it up, almost every website out there will say there's no harm in using a flash on your baby. I'm just opposed to it (1) because bright light seems to make him unhappy and his eyes seem to adjust a little slower to it and (2) because I don't want DS to start hating having his picture taken because of it.

Maybe I'm crazy, but if that's my one crazy over-protective mom thing, I'm ok with it.

emiannie

I don't think it will "hurt" him, but if he's blinking like crazy it's obviously bothering him.  I would ask that only one person take a picture with a flash and if they want to take more you'll need to take him outside where a flash isn't necessary.  Just tell them it bothers him and you're not in the business of bothering your child for others' gain.   

If it makes you nervous put a stop to it.