when do babies eye color change

Babies' eye color generally begins to change between 3 to 9 months of age, with many starting around 6 months. This change happens as melanocytes in the iris develop and produce more melanin after birth when exposed to light. Although changes most often occur within the first year, the final eye color can take up to three years, and in some cases even up to six years, to fully settle. Babies born with blue or light-colored eyes may see their eyes darken to green, hazel, or brown, while babies born with brown eyes usually keep their color or it becomes darker. This process varies by genetics and melanin production, and not all babies are born with blue eyes—eye color at birth differs by ethnic background and family genetics.