Source: bing.comOne of the most exciting parts of having a baby is wondering what they will look like. As soon as your little one is born, you’ll likely start to notice their features and try to predict what their eye color will be. But when do baby’s eye color develop? Is it set in stone from birth, or can it change over time?
Table of Contents
The Science Behind Eye Color
Eye color is determined by the amount and type of pigment in the iris, which is the part of the eye that surrounds the pupil. There are two types of pigment: melanin and lipochrome. Melanin is what gives color to our hair, skin, and eyes, while lipochrome is a yellow pigment that becomes more visible when there is less melanin present.
Most babies are born with blue or gray eyes, regardless of their parents’ eye color. This is because the amount of melanin in their eyes is very low at birth. As they grow older, the amount of melanin in their eyes increases, which can cause their eye color to change.
When Do Baby’s Eye Color Develop?
Most babies’ eye color will start to change between 6 and 9 months of age. By this point, the amount of melanin in their eyes has increased to a point where their true eye color is becoming more visible. However, it can take up to three years for a baby’s eyes to settle into their permanent color.
It’s important to note that not all babies’ eyes will change color. Some babies are born with a higher amount of melanin in their eyes, which means their eye color will be more stable from birth. However, it’s still possible for their eye color to shift slightly as they grow older.
Factors that Can Affect Eye Color
While genetics play a big role in determining a baby’s eye color, there are other factors that can affect how their eyes look. For example, lighting can make a big difference in how their eye color appears. In bright sunlight, their eyes may look lighter than they do indoors.
Another factor that can affect eye color is emotions. When we experience strong emotions like anger or joy, our pupils can dilate or contract, which can make our eye color appear different than it normally does.
What to Expect as Your Baby’s Eyes Change
Watching your baby’s eyes change color can be a fun and exciting experience. As their eyes develop, you may notice subtle changes in the color or pattern of their iris. For example, a baby who is born with blue eyes may start to develop a ring of brown around the outside of their iris as they get older.
It’s important to remember that every baby is different, and there is no way to predict exactly how their eyes will change. However, by around their first birthday, you should have a good idea of what their permanent eye color will be.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a baby’s eye color change back to blue?
It’s rare, but yes, it is possible for a baby’s eye color to change back to blue. This is most likely to happen within the first year of life.
Can two parents with brown eyes have a blue-eyed baby?
Yes, it is possible for two parents with brown eyes to have a blue-eyed baby. This is because eye color is determined by multiple genes, and the expression of those genes can be unpredictable.
Can a baby be born with one eye color and then have it change?
Yes, it is possible for a baby to be born with one eye color and then have it change over time. This is because the amount of melanin in their eyes can increase or decrease as they grow older.
Can a baby’s eye color change due to illness or injury?
No, a baby’s eye color cannot change due to illness or injury. Eye color is determined by genetics and the amount of pigment in the iris.
Is it possible for a baby to have two different colored eyes?
Yes, it is possible for a baby to have two different colored eyes. This is called heterochromia, and it occurs when there is a difference in the amount of melanin in each eye.
In conclusion, a baby’s eye color is determined by genetics and the amount of melanin in their eyes. Most babies’ eye color will start to change between 6 and 9 months of age, but it can take up to three years for their eyes to settle into their permanent color. While it’s impossible to predict exactly how a baby’s eyes will change, watching their eye color develop can be a fun and exciting experience.