How to Clean a Newborn's Blocked Tear Duct

You go to pick up your baby after a nap and notice one little eye looks watery, sticky, or crusty around the lashes. It can be a little startling the first time you see it, but a newborn blocked tear duct is very common. Most of the time, it simply means your baby's tear drainage system is still developing.

The good news is that there are a few simple things you can do at home to keep the area clean and comfortable while the duct opens on its own. It also helps to know what is normal and when it is worth checking in with your pediatrician.

What Causes Blocked Tear Ducts in Newborns?

Tears normally drain through tiny openings near the inner corner of the eye and travel down through a small duct toward the nose. In some newborns, that drainage pathway has not completely opened yet. When that happens, tears and a little mucus can collect around the eye instead of draining normally.

So, what causes blocked tear ducts in newborns? Usually, it is simply part of development. Your baby's tear duct is still maturing. It is not because you did something wrong, and it does not mean their face was not cleaned well enough. It also does not automatically mean there is an infection.

Some babies show signs right away, while others do not develop that telltale watery eye until a few weeks later. If you are still getting used to all the little things that can pop up during those early weeks, our guide to your baby's first month is a helpful place to start.

What Does a Baby Blocked Tear Duct Look Like?

The most common blocked tear duct newborn symptoms are usually pretty easy to recognize once you know what to look for. You may notice that one eye seems watery most of the time, or that tears run down your baby's cheek even when they are not crying. White or yellow mucus may collect near the inner corner of the eye, and the lashes can look crusty or even stick together after sleep.

A baby's blocked tear duct can affect one eye or both. With a simple blocked duct, the white part of the eye usually does not look very red, and the eyelid should not be noticeably swollen. If you start seeing more redness, swelling, or irritation, that is a good reason to call your pediatrician and have them take a look.

How to Clean a Newborn's Blocked Tear Duct

If you are wondering how to clean a newborn's blocked tear duct, keep it simple and gentle. Start by washing your hands, then wet a clean cotton round, cotton ball, or very soft washcloth with warm water. Begin near the inner corner of the eye and gently wipe outward. Use a clean part of the cloth each time, and if both eyes need cleaning, use something fresh for each eye.

There is no need to scrub, and you do not need soap, wipes, or special cleansers around your baby's eye unless your pediatrician has specifically recommended them. You may need to clean the eye several times throughout the day, especially after naps. It can feel a little repetitive, but you are simply keeping the area comfortable while your baby's tear duct continues to mature. 

For more everyday newborn care guidance, our 0 to 6 Month Basic Baby Care Book covers many of the little questions that come up during those first few months.

Should You Do a Newborn Blocked Tear Duct Massage?

Your pediatrician may also recommend a newborn blocked tear duct massage. Gentle massage near the tear duct can sometimes help encourage it to open and allow trapped fluid to drain.

This is something your pediatrician will be happy to show you in person so you feel confident about what you are doing. If they recommend massage, ask them to show you exactly where to place your finger and how much pressure to use. The massage is done near the inner corner of the eye and along the side of the nose, never directly on your baby's eyeball. You can also watch our blocked tear duct video for a demonstration.

Once someone has shown you how, it can easily become part of your baby's normal care routine.

When Should You Call the Pediatrician?

Most cases of newborn blocked tear duct are not an emergency, but there are a few signs that deserve a call. Reach out to your pediatrician if you notice increasing redness around the eye, swelling of the eyelid, a red or tender bump near the inner corner of the eye, thick yellow or green discharge along with redness, or cloudiness over the front of the eye. You should also call if your baby seems unwell or develops a fever, especially in the first few months of life.

And if something simply does not look right to you, call. You do not need to wait until it matches a perfect list of symptoms. Parents notice changes in their babies every day, and your pediatrician is there to help you figure out what needs attention and what can be watched at home.

Most Blocked Tear Ducts Get Better With Time

A blocked tear duct can be messy and a little frustrating, especially when you feel like you just cleaned that eye five minutes ago. But in most babies, the duct opens on its own as the tear drainage system matures.

Until then, keep things simple. Clean the eye gently, keep your hands clean, use massage only if your pediatrician recommends it, and watch for redness, swelling, fever, or anything else that makes you feel like something has changed.

There are plenty of little is this normal? moments during the newborn stage, and this is often one of them. If you want a little extra support along the way, our 0 to 6 Month Online Course walks you through feeding, sleep, soothing, baby care, and the everyday questions that come with bringing a new baby home.