Have you ever wondered when your baby's eyes will change to their true hue? Many expectant parents worry about potential eye health issues and what color the little one's peepers may become. Understanding how pigment works—and why newborns don’t enter this world with deep brown or green eyes—will help in predicting when your baby's eyes will change (or stay the same)! Read on for an overview of a baby’s eye development stages, including signs associated with melatonin levels, inherited traits and more.
What Is Eye Color?
Eye color is determined when a baby is born and usually changes gradually over time. Babies typically have dark eyes when they are born and then the eye color may change in the first year to a lighter shade of brown, blue, or hazel. The exact when an infant's eye color will change often depends on their parents' genetics, as the subtle hues of the iris are inherited from their ancestors. Although some people may choose to use colored contacts to alter their eye color, it is an amazing genetic phenomenon when a baby's eyes transition from one hue to another.
View More: When Do Babies Start Crawling Everything You Need To Know
What Color Eyes Are Babies Born With?
Did you know when a baby is born, their eyes typically appear gray or blue in color? Many believe when babies are born with gray eyes, that’s an indication of their eye color when they get older. However, when they are born with blue eyes, those often change by the time the baby turns 6-8 months old. That’s when most babies start developing true eye color which is indicated by the amount of melanin pigment making it into the iris and accepted as a single-color tone. Interestingly enough, even when a baby’s eyes don’t end up changing colors until later on down the road when they are toddlers or young children, you can still find varying levels of blues and grays within their irises that eventually mix together to create one color.
When does a baby's eye color change?
Watching a baby grow is an amazing thing. One of the most noticeable signs of growth is when parents are curious when it comes to when their little one's eye color will start to change. Many parents think that a baby's eye color doesn't change until they reach a certain age, however this isn't necessarily true! Though eye coloring can vary, typically around 6 months old babies can begin to show the changes in their eye color as the melanin builds up behind the iris, giving them a shade closer to their permanent and potentially final hue. For some kids, this process may not be complete until age three! As each and every child develops differently, there is no universal predictor when it comes to when your baby's eye color will finally settle.
View More: When to Stop Swaddling Your Baby
What role do genetics play in baby’s eye color?
Genetics play a critical role when determining the eye color of a baby at birth. Most babies are born with blue eyes, but when do babies eyes change color? On average, this happens when babies are around six to nine months old when the permanent pigment cells in the iris begin working to produce melanin. The amount and type of melanin being produced by these pigment cells is determined solely by genetics, resulting in a baby’s eye color being predetermined. This means that when it comes to eye color, genetics cannot be avoided - it's all in the genes!
What role does melanin play in baby’s eye color?
Melanin plays a fascinating role when it comes to the eye color of babies. It is fascinating to think that when a baby is born, their eyes may be a different color when they reach adulthood! As babies grow, melanin starts to build up in their eyes and affects the color that we see. The speed at which this builds up determines when do babies eyes change color - with some colors changing as soon as a few weeks after birth, while other colors take months or even years to become fully developed. As the amount of melanin increases, so too does its effect on eye color hue, brightness and overall tone. So when it comes to what role does melanin play in baby’s eye color, it has an important one - without it we could have very different eyes when our children are grown!
View More: When Do Babies Start Teething Know the Signs and Symptoms
When Will My Baby’s Eyes Stop Changing Color?
Wondering when your baby's eyes will stop changing color? Most babies are born with blue eyes, but this can change as they age and absorb pigment from their environment. Typically, when a baby is between 6 and 9 months old, parents can expect their child's eye color to remain the same for life. Keep in mind that some children may take longer than 9 months for their eye color to settle. Though rare, it is not unheard of for a baby's eye color to continue changing until they reach 3 years old! If you're concerned about when you can expect your little one's eyes to stop changing colors, consult with your pediatrician.
Conclusion
To sum up, when will your baby's eyes change color? While the answer depends on a variety of factors, in general it can be said that most babies' eyes will begin to change color from birth to around age three months. After that, the color could continue to lighten and darken. The ultimate shade of your baby's eyes won't be determined until about age one or two. It is important for parents to note that their baby's eye color doesn't always stay the same throughout life - their eye color can even change again in adulthood. Lastly, if you have any questions or concerns about your baby's eye color, it is best to speak with a doctor or pediatrician as soon as possible. Thanks for reading!
If you want to consult with the best pediatrician in Pakistan, book an appointment through InstaCare or you can call helpline number 0317-1777509 for assistance to find the right professional for your concerns.
Source: https://instacare.pk/blog/when-will-your-babys-eyes-change-color
