Baby Eye Colour Changes: What's Normal | Parenting Hub
Baby eye colour can change over the first year as pigment develops. Here's the typical timeline and when to ask about an unusual colour.
Most eye colour change happens between 6 and 12 months, with some shift continuing to around 3 years.
How it works
Babies are born with little pigment in the iris. As melanin develops over the first year (and sometimes longer), eye colour can deepen — most often from blue or grey towards green, hazel or brown.
When to ask a doctor
Most colour change is normal. Speak with your GP if you notice:
- Two clearly different coloured eyes (heterochromia) — usually benign but worth a check
- A patch of different colour within the iris
- Cloudy or hazy area in the coloured part of the eye
- Any change in the pupil reflex (see white pupil article)
When to seek help
- Cloudy or hazy iris/cornea
- Different pupil sizes
- Abnormal pupil reflex in photos
Common questions
Does sun exposure change eye colour?
No. Pigment development is genetic, not sun-driven. Always protect baby's eyes from bright sun with shade and a hat.