Babies blink only once or twice per minute, while adults blink about 15 times.

Research published in the journal Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science indicates that the spontaneous blink rate in infants is significantly lower than in adults. While adults typically blink 10 to 20 times per minute, newborns average less than two blinks in that same timeframe. This rate gradually increases throughout childhood, usually reaching adult levels by age 14 or 15.One primary reason for this difference is the composition of the tear film. A baby's eyes produce a high amount of lipids, which are fatty substances that prevent tears from evaporating. Because their eyes stay moist for longer periods, the physiological need to blink and refresh the eye surface is greatly reduced.Neurological factors also play a major role in this phenomenon. Infants are constantly processing a massive amount of new visual information, and studies suggest that high levels of mental focus can suppress the blinking reflex. This 'staring' behavior allows the infant to take in as much detail as possible from their environment without interruption.Additionally, the physical size of the eye matters. Since a baby's palpebral fissure, the opening between the eyelids, is much smaller than an adult's, there is less surface area exposed to the air. This smaller opening further slows down the evaporation of the tear film, making frequent blinking unnecessary for ocular health.