Are all babies born with blue eyes?

“I just had a baby and noticed their eyes look kind of grayish-blue right now, which made me wonder if that’s normal. Are all babies born with blue eyes?”

Daisy Oliveira
Registered Nurse CNO #13564387

No, not all babies are born with blue eyes. While some newborns do have blue or grayish eyes, many are born with brown or other eye colors right from birth.

Eye color depends on the amount of melanin in the iris. Babies with more melanin tend to have darker eyes, such as brown. In one study of newborns, most infants actually had brown eyes at birth, with fewer having blue eyes. This shows that the idea that all babies are born with blue eyes is a common myth.

Some babies’ eye color can change over time. This happens because melanin production in the eyes continues after birth. In babies who will develop darker eyes, the color may gradually shift during the first year of life, often becoming more noticeable by around 9 to 12 months.

If you notice unusual eye color changes, differences between the two eyes, or other concerns, it’s best to have your child checked by a pediatrician or an eye specialist. Avoid trying any treatments on your own.

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