Camera flashes around newborns.. A no-no?

markhamgurl

I've never actually researched this, because I thought it was common knowledge, but camera flashes should not be used around newborns, correct?

My ILs break-out their cameras and camera phones every time they see DD (which is pretty darn often.. as in once a week at minimum).  I've always made a point to remind them not to use their flash unless her eyes are closed and she's asleep. We're almost at the 5-week mark now, so I assumed we were all on the same page by this point.

This evening, FIL had his DSLR out to take pictures of DD while she was in my arms as she was in one of her rare "awake" periods, and got right close to DD and.. *BAM* the flash goes off in her face.  Twice. 

Without even thinking (and this is rare for me, since I hem and haw over my word choices so as not to offend) I blurted-out something like, "Do you have the flash on?" (as in, "Do you KNOW you have the flash on?), and "You shouldn't be using that as she's awake, that's bad for their eyes, isn't it?".

FIL apologized right away (for forgetting or not realizing he couldn't use a flash, I'm not sure which) and put the camera away, but in a room filled with DH's family, nobody else really said anything.  There was just a brief awkward silence, and I felt kinda bitchy for having said something.  Don't get me wrong, I'm glad I acted in what I felt to be DD's best interest, but I started to wonder if this whole "not using camera flashes around newborns" thing was a myth and I just came-off as being a total kook?   Anyone know?  I'm off to Google it.

Also, would someone please tell me this incident hasn't likely damaged DD's eyesight at all?!  I'm thinking it's unlikely as a result of it happening just once, but still. 

 

RondackHiker

I've been lurking and posting on the bump a loooooong time and haven't heard it hurts them. It could startle them, but how would it hurt them?

piperjayne

I've never heard that either. The photographer that came into the room at the hospital used flash. 

markhamgurl

RondackHiker:

I've been lurking and posting on the bump a loooooong time and haven't heard it hurts them. It could startle the

Sonadora

Wait, are you serious or is this MUD?

 

I mean, come on, even most hospitals offer newborn photos these days. 

greeneyed_bride

It might startle them, but I don't think it's actually bad for them. I think this is one of those rumors that gets passed around that's based on nothing but some random person's opinion.

The hospital where I had my son is a major teaching hospita

RondackHiker

markhamgurl:

RondackHik

MintBerryCrunch

Shiit if they're bad I'd better start up a vision fund for my kids 'cause I've got a 580EX on my camera.

PrincessFiona9

I've never heard of this. Also, why would you be so hostile about them visiting and taking a few pics once a week? It's not like they're at your house on the daily, right?

shibby00

Lol whut?

[Deleted User]

It's not bad per se.  It will make them geigh though, so be careful. 

MoonlitPlumeria

AuburnGirlSC:

Dafuq?

+1

JenniCollins

sofamonkey:

It's not bad per se.  It will make them geigh though, so be careful. 

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kerribear1717

Well I guess I'll find out in a few years if the flashes hurt their eye sight.  I have never heard this said before and definitely use the flash on my camera all the time.  It actually really bothers me that MIL doesn't use her flash beca

markhamgurl

Thanks for those links, I can relax now I really have no idea where I picked up that misinformation about flashes, but am glad to see that it is considered a myth by others and that I didn't make it up!

RondackHiker

markhamgurl:

Thanks for those links, I can relax now : I really have no idea where I picked up that misinformation about flashes, b

maginell

I haven't seen research on it, but I know it's common knowledge in Germany. When I was an au pair, the mother, a surgeon, was adamant that no one flash around the baby. We were very careful. I'm photosensitive, so I've always been conscious of this.