Newborn Eye Color: What Determines a Baby's Eye Color?

Most newborns have dark-colored eyes. However, some babies of European descent may be born with blue or gray eyes. Eye color is determined by the amount and type of melanin in the iris. Melanin is a pigment that gives skin, hair, and eyes their color. The more melanin a person has, the darker their eyes will be.

Newborn babies typically have low levels of melanin, which is why their eyes appear dark. As they grow older, the amount of melanin in their irises will increase, and their eye color may change.

By around 6-9 months of age, your baby’s eye color will likely be permanent. However, in rare cases, a baby’s eye color may continue to change for up to a year or two.