There are many precious moments in your life, and one of them is holding your baby and looking into their eyes.

However, as time passes, you will notice a certain change in their eye color. In this article, we will answer your question as to when, how, and why a baby’s eye color changes.

Before diving into the question, let’s understand a little more about eye color.

What is eye color?

Eye color is basically the appearance of the iris. Iris is the colored tissue of your eyes, which consists of the pupil (the black spot within the eyes). It regulates the amount of light received by your eyes.

When the baby’s eye color changes?

The newborn baby’s eye color ranges from blue to light grey, to brown or dark brown. However, it keeps changing over time.

The most significant change in their eye color may happen around three to six months and can go up to one year. However, the final color will settle at the age of three.

What are the factors that influence the color of the eyes (iris)?

1) Melanin

It is a pigment that contributes to the color of the iris, hair, and skin. Iris contains cells known as melanocytes; when these cells interact with light entering the eyes, they secrete melanin. As a result, the color of your baby’s eyes changes over time.

  • If melanocytes secrete a little melanin, your baby will have blue-colored eyes.
  • If they secrete a bit more melanin, then they will have green or hazel-colored eyes.
  • If they secrete large amounts of melanin, then they will have brown-colored (the most common eye color) or darker.

Melanocytes take a year to finish their work, which is why you will notice a gradual change in their eye color.

2) Genetics

Your baby's eye will largely depend on genetics. There are approximately 15 genes responsible for eye color. Among them, two are the most predominant, i.e., OCA2 and HERC2.

  • If your baby carries the predominant HERC2 gene, their eyes will be blue. 
  • If your baby carries the predominant OCA2 gene, their eyes will be green or brown. 

Of the two genes, the dominant one is OCA2, which is why most individuals have brown eyes. These two factors, melanin and genetics are responsible for your baby’s eye color. 

Having known the reasons behind the color of the eyes (largely beyond your control), let’s not worry so much about what the colors of the eyes of the babies could turn out to be. Instead, let the mystery spring a surprise on you.

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