Why Do Babies Have Gray Eyes At Birth?
Why do babies have gray eyes at birth? This is a very common question for mothers when they see their newborn child for the first time, especially first-time mothers.
At first, it is believed, and expected, that the eyes retain this color forever, without knowing why this happens. Babies’ gray eyes are charming and attract the attention of everyone who visits them.
As the months go by, parents notice that the color changes. They may have turned darker or lighter, but the truth is, the gray is no longer there. And the question resurfaces: why does this happen? Why do babies have gray eyes at birth?
Understanding why babies have gray eyes at birth
The responsible for this interesting color in the baby’s eyes is melanin, a substance that gives pigment to the iris.
In reality, it’s not that the color changes, but it starts to be defined. The newborn has immature melanin cells, but their production continues without stopping. As the baby grows, the cells mature and this causes the color change, which we may notice from 6 months of age onwards.
As early as 8 months, the child has a more defined eye color or, in other words, a definite pigmentation of the iris.
Genetics and eye color
The maturation of melanocytes and solar stimulation produce the melanin that gives the iris color. We must also remember that eye color is often linked to skin color and race.
In any case, there is still no specific rule for knowing which eye color the baby will have. This will depend on the parents’ genetic inheritance. Eye color is called genes: dark colors are determined by dominant genes and light colors by recessive ones.
When will the baby’s eye color be set?
It is not clear when the child’s definitive eye color will be established. It is an individual process, very similar to hair growth, so it happens in different ways and at different speeds for each child.
It may be the case that after five months the baby has already set the color that will last a lifetime. It can also happen that at 7 months of age you have pigmentation and at 1 year of age it changes. Everything will depend on the maturation of the cells.
In general, from 5 months onwards you can say that the process begins in which the baby’s eye color will change to its final version. This period ends around the age of 2 years.
Watch your newborn’s eyes
At birth, babies are very delicate. They are exposed to getting infections very quickly as their immune system is not fully developed.
In this sense, the eyes are usually the most affected. However, some steps can be taken to avoid these types of problems:
Eliminate waste and secretions
When your baby has this type of condition, it ‘s good to always have saline on hand. If you have an eyedropper, even better. Place the baby on his back and put two drops in each eye.
You should move his head from side to side, carefully, so that the serum covers the entire surface of his eyes.
Use of gauze or tissue
Gauze and tissue are very practical for cleaning the eyelids. It doesn’t hurt to remember that they must be sterilized and damp.
To prevent the spread of infections, it is recommended to use a different tissue or gauze for each eye. To clean the eye with these materials, movements will be made from the inside of the eyelids towards the tear duct.
This procedure can be done twice a day: upon waking up and after bathing.
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is a bacterial or allergic disease that forms excessive secretions, swollen eyelids and red eyes.
It will be difficult for the child to open his eyes as the secretions will reproduce quickly. In these cases, trying to keep your eyes clean with a saline solution is ideal.
To avoid this irritating condition, good eye hygiene is necessary. So, it’s important to keep your hands clean and constantly moisturize your baby’s eyes.
On the other hand, we must be careful that the baby is not exposed to very bright lights or strong sunlight during the first days of life. It is advisable to leave it in a dimly lit room. Then, when his eyes are wide open, it will be possible to do his hygiene properly.
As long as your child has beautiful gray eyes, enjoy them to the full. But remember: when they change to their original color, you’ll be even more in love with your baby.
