One of the first things people notice about a newborn is their eye colour. Whether your baby arrives with striking blue eyes, a cloudy grey, or already deep brown, many parents wonder if those eyes will stay the same or change as the months go by.
Eye colour is not fixed at birth. It can evolve during the first year and sometimes into early childhood. Understanding how and why this happens can help you know what to expect as your baby grows.
In this guide, we will explore what causes eye colour changes, when they usually happen, what factors influence them, and when to seek medical advice. We will also share UK-based resources, parent tips, and practical advice so you can follow this journey with confidence.
Why Do Babies’ Eyes Look Blue at Birth?
Most parents are fascinated when they notice their newborn’s eyes shining a clear shade of blue or grey. This effect happens because the newborn iris contains very little melanin at birth. Melanin is the pigment that not only gives eyes their colour but also contributes to hair and skin tone. Babies born with low melanin appear to have blue or grey eyes since light scatters easily in the iris.
It is important to remember that melanin levels are not fixed at birth. They are controlled by complex genetic instructions that gradually activate in the first months of life. Just as hair may grow darker or curlier with age, eyes can also change shade. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, many parents notice gradual shifts in eye tone from month to month, especially in the first year.
Parent Tip: Take monthly photos of your baby in natural daylight. You may be surprised at how subtle but consistent the eye colour changes appear when comparing photos side by side.
When Do Babies’ Eyes Usually Change Colour?
Although many babies experience the most dramatic changes within the first year, eye colour development is a gradual journey. Research suggests that the iris can continue to accumulate melanin until the age of three. After this stage, changes tend to be much less noticeable, but in rare cases, shifts can occur even in late childhood.
Environmental factors can also have an influence. Babies who spend more time outdoors may see faster darkening of eye colour since natural sunlight stimulates melanin production. However, genetics remain the strongest predictor. For example, if both parents have brown eyes, the chance of the baby’s eyes staying light blue at age three is small.
Expert Tip: Even if your baby’s eyes look green or hazel at age one, it is still possible for them to darken slightly before their third birthday. Do not assume the colour is permanent too early.
Factors That Influence Eye Colour
Several factors combine to determine and influence your baby’s eye colour over time:
Genetics
Scientists have identified more than a dozen genes that affect eye colour. The two most influential are OCA2 and HERC2, but others also play a role in whether the eye ends up blue, green, hazel, or brown. Unlike old-fashioned charts that suggested one dominant eye colour, modern genetics shows that inheritance is more like a spectrum.
Melanin and Light
Eye colour depends not just on how much melanin is present, but also how it is distributed in the iris layers. Two babies with the same genetic background may still have slightly different eye shades.
Ethnic Background
Babies of African, Asian, or Mediterranean descent often have higher melanin levels at birth. As a result, their eyes may appear brown from the beginning and are less likely to change dramatically.
Health and Eye Conditions
Although rare, some medical conditions such as Horner syndrome or pigmentary glaucoma can affect iris pigmentation. For this reason, unusual or sudden changes should always be discussed with a GP.
Myths and Cultural Beliefs
Across cultures, baby eye colour has been surrounded by folklore. In some traditions, blue-eyed babies are thought to bring good luck, while in others, green eyes are associated with creativity. While these stories are charming, they are not grounded in science.
In the UK, midwives often reassure parents that blue or grey eyes at birth are common and not a predictor of final colour. The NHS notes that most parents see the most visible changes in the first year, with colour becoming clearer as the child grows.
Pro Tip: Enjoy the process without worrying too much. Just like first smiles or first steps, eye colour change is part of your child’s natural development journey.
Supporting Eye Health
While you cannot control your baby’s eventual eye colour, you can support healthy visual development.
-
Provide tummy time and play activities that encourage your baby to track movement.
-
Offer toys in high-contrast colours to stimulate vision during the early months.
-
Avoid exposing babies to strong direct sunlight. Use UV-protective sunshades on prams and hats outdoors.
-
Encourage outdoor play as your child grows, since natural light supports healthy vision.
The Royal College of Ophthalmologists recommends early checks if you notice signs such as constant eye crossing, frequent squinting, or difficulty following movement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can babies have two different eye colours?
Yes. This is known as heterochromia. It can be present from birth or develop later. Some forms are harmless and purely genetic, while others may be linked to medical conditions. Always consult a GP or ophthalmologist if you notice this.
Can emotions or lighting make eye colour look different?
Yes. Eye colour can appear slightly different depending on lighting, clothing, or even pupil size. This is why your baby’s eyes may sometimes look greener or bluer in photos.
Will diet or vitamins change eye colour?
No. Eye colour is genetically determined and not influenced by what your baby eats. However, good nutrition supports overall eye health.
Do premature babies have different eye colour patterns?
Premature babies may show slower pigment development, so their eye colour changes can extend longer into toddlerhood compared with full-term babies.
When should I expect my baby’s final eye colour?
Most children settle into their permanent eye colour between ages one and three. By age three, the iris has usually produced enough melanin to show its lasting shade.
Final Thoughts
Watching your baby’s eye colour change is one of the many magical parts of early development. While most of the transformation happens in the first year, it can continue until around age three. Genetics, melanin levels, and ethnic background all play a role, and each child’s journey is unique.
You cannot predict the final colour with certainty, but you can support your child’s vision by protecting their eyes from direct sunlight, encouraging visual play, and attending regular health checks.
Whether your little one ends up with blue, green, hazel, or brown eyes, remember that their gaze will always be special to you.