Baby Eye Color: When Do Eyes Change?
Will your baby keep those blue eyes? Learn when eye color changes, the genetics behind it, and what color your baby's eyes might become.
The Quick Answer
Most babies are born with blue or gray-blue eyes because they have low melanin at birth. Eye color typically changes between 6-12 months as melanin production increases. By 12 months, most babies have their permanent eye color, though subtle changes can occur until age 3.
Key insight: If your baby still has blue eyes at 12 months, they're likely to stay blue. Eyes that will turn brown usually start changing by 6 months.
Baby Keepsake Essentials
When Do Baby Eyes Change?
Most babies have slate blue or gray-blue eyes due to low melanin
Darker-skinned babies may already have brown eyes
Melanin production increases; eye color may begin to change
Changes are usually gradual, not sudden
Major color changes typically occur during this period
You'll have a good idea of final color by 9 months
Most babies have their permanent eye color by 12 months
Some fine-tuning can still occur
Minor changes possible; color continues to deepen slightly
Significant changes after 1 year are uncommon
How Eye Color Works
Brown Eyes
High melanin concentration in the iris. Most common eye color worldwide (70-80%). Brown eyes have more protection from sunlight.
Blue Eyes
Low melanin concentration. Light scatters in the iris, appearing blue (like the sky). Found in 8-10% of people globally, more common in European ancestry.
Green Eyes
Moderate melanin plus lipochrome (yellow pigment). The rarest eye color at only 2% globally. Most common in Celtic and Germanic ancestry.
Hazel Eyes
Mix of brown and green, often with gold flecks. Melanin concentration varies across the iris. May appear to change color in different lighting.
Eye Color Probability Chart
These are approximate probabilities based on genetic models. Actual eye color inheritance is complex and involves many genes.
| Parent 1 | Parent 2 | Brown | Green | Blue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brown | Brown | 75% | 18.75% | 6.25% |
| Brown | Green | 50% | 37.5% | 12.5% |
| Brown | Blue | 50% | 0% | 50% |
| Green | Green | 0% | 75% | 25% |
| Green | Blue | 0% | 50% | 50% |
| Blue | Blue | 0% | 1% | 99% |
Note: These are simplified probabilities. Actual results vary due to the polygenic nature of eye color.
Interesting Eye Color Facts
All blue-eyed people share a common ancestor from 6,000-10,000 years ago.
A genetic mutation created blue eyes
Eye color can appear to change based on lighting, clothing, and even mood.
The iris expands and contracts, affecting how light reflects
Heterochromia (two different colored eyes) affects less than 1% of people.
Can be genetic or caused by injury/disease
Your baby's eye color may be different from both parents.
Grandparents' eye colors matter too!
Eyes can continue to slightly change color throughout life.
Usually darkening slightly with age
Some medications can change eye color.
Certain glaucoma drops can darken light eyes
Signs Your Baby's Eyes Will Change Color
🔄 Eyes Likely to Change
- Light-skinned baby with blue-gray eyes at birth
- Both parents have brown or hazel eyes
- Flecks of brown/gold appearing by 6 months
- Eyes appear darker in certain lighting
✓ Eyes Likely to Stay Blue
- Both parents have blue eyes
- Eyes are still bright blue at 9 months
- No brown/gold flecks appearing
- European ancestry (higher blue eye rates)
Frequently Asked Questions
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