Watching your new baby grow includes many exciting firsts, and seeing their eye colour settle is one of them. You may notice your baby’s eyes seem to change from week to week. This is a normal part of their development as their permanent eye colour reveals itself over time.
You can expect most of the change in your baby’s eye colour to happen in the first 6–9months, with the final shade becoming permanent around their first birthday or sometimes as late as age 3. Understanding this gradual process is part of the comprehensive care you can expect from Eye Q Optometry, which supports your child’s visual health through services like regular children’s eye exams.
The Science Behind Your Baby’s Eye Colour
The colour of your baby’s eyes is determined by a pigment called melanin. The amount of this pigment in the iris—the coloured part of the eye—dictates whether their eyes will be blue, brown, green, or hazel.
What Is Melanin?
Melanin is the natural pigment that gives colour to your eyes, skin, and hair. Specialized cells produce it, and the more melanin you have in your iris, the darker your eyes will be. Brown eyes have a lot of melanin, while blue eyes have very little, which also relates to why blue eyes are more sensitive to sunlight.
Why So Many Babies Start with Blue or Grey Eyes
At birth, a baby’s melanin production is still developing. Since there is very little pigment present at first, many babies are born with blue or grey eyes. As their bodies produce more melanin over the first few months, you may see their eye colour begin to darken.
The Timeline for Eye Colour Change
Eye colour change doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a gradual process that unfolds throughout your baby’s first year. While you might see small shifts early on, the most significant changes take a little more time.
The First 6 to 9 Months
This is when you’ll likely see the most dramatic changes. During this period, melanin production increases, and your baby’s eyes may transition from blue to green, hazel, or brown. Tracking these visual changes is just one part of monitoring your baby’s first-year developmental milestones.
When Is Eye Colour Permanent?
For most children, their eye colour is set by their first birthday. However, it’s not unusual to see subtle shifts in hue or tone until they are around 3 years old. After that, the colour you see is typically the one they’ll have for life.
How Genetics Influence Eye Colour
While you might look to your own eyes for clues, predicting your baby’s eye colour is complex. It involves multiple genes from both parents, which can lead to some fun surprises.
It’s More Than Just 2 Genes
You may remember learning about dominant and recessive genes, but eye colour is more complicated than a simple chart. Several different genes work together to determine the final amount of melanin in the iris, which is why there are so many beautiful shades of eye colour.
Can Brown-Eyed Parents Have a Blue-Eyed Baby?
Yes, it’s entirely possible for 2 parents with brown eyes to have a child with blue eyes. Parents can carry hidden genes for lighter eye colours. If both parents pass on a gene for blue eyes, their child could have blue eyes.
Your Baby’s Eye Health and Development
While eye colour change is a normal process, your baby’s eyes provide important clues about their overall health. Regular check-ups help support their visual development right from the start.
What to Watch For
A gradual, consistent change in both eyes is typical. However, it’s a good idea to note any unusual signs, such as:
- Only one eye changes colour
- The pupil appears cloudy or white
- Your baby seems extremely sensitive to light
The Importance of a Child’s First Eye Exam
A comprehensive eye exam is recommended for infants around 6 months of age to check that their eyes are developing properly. An exam assesses more than just vision—it evaluates eye alignment, movement, and overall health. A visit to your local eye doctor in Calgary can help you feel reassured about your child’s visual health from the beginning.
Your child’s eye health is a key part of their growth and development. Our team at Eye Q Optometry provides personalized care for every member of your family, starting with your baby’s very first eye exam. Schedule a visit to support your child’s healthy vision journey.
