Tear Duct Newborn Massage — Clogged

Red flag: If the white of the eye is bright red, the eyelid is swollen and purple, or your baby is fussy and running a fever—call your pediatrician. That could be an infection requiring antibiotics.

If your doctor has approved massage, the goal is to apply gentle pressure to help pop open that membrane. The technique is often called the .

It is common for newborns to experience "sticky eyes," often caused by a (nasolacrimal duct obstruction). This occurs in about 10% of infants because the drainage system for tears is not fully open at birth. clogged tear duct newborn massage

Many parents notice the eye is suddenly dry and clear. One day, you’ll realize you haven’t wiped crust off in a week.

Lay your baby on their back on a flat, safe surface. A changing table or your lap works well. You want their face looking straight up. Red flag: If the white of the eye

This guide is for informational purposes only. Always consult your pediatrician before attempting any home treatment to rule out an infection (like conjunctivitis) or other conditions.

Studies show that performing this massage correctly by the time the baby is 6-12 months old, without any need for probing or surgery. The technique is often called the

After massaging, use a warm, damp washcloth or gauze to gently wipe from the inner corner outward across the closed eyelid. Use a fresh section of cloth for each swipe to avoid re-introducing debris.

Find the inner corner of the affected eye, right where the upper and lower eyelids meet near the nose. You’re looking for a small, bony ridge (the side of the nose). Just inside that ridge, near the eye, is the tear sac .

: Move your finger in short, downward strokes toward the nostril. Some experts suggest a small circular motion before the downward slide.

Move your finger in a short, toward the nostril. Repetition : Perform 3 to 10 downward strokes per session.