How To Massage Infant Tear Duct ★ Quick

Lay your baby on their back—on a changing table, a bed, or your lap. A calm baby is a cooperative baby. Try this during a diaper change or after a feeding when they are relaxed. If they are flailing and crying, take a break.

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If this sounds familiar, your baby may have a blocked tear duct (medically known as nasolacrimal duct obstruction ). Before you panic, take a deep breath. This is incredibly common, affecting up to 20% of newborns. And in most cases, the solution is quite literally in your hands. how to massage infant tear duct

Welcome to the art of the tear duct massage. Think of your baby’s tear drainage system as a tiny drainpipe. Tears are produced in the gland above the eye, wash across the surface, and then drain away through tiny holes in the corner of the eye (puncta), down a narrow duct, and out into the nose.

In many newborns, the very bottom of that “drainpipe” is still sealed by a thin, residual membrane that didn’t fully open before birth. The tears have nowhere to go, so they back up, pool in the eye, and eventually turn into the goopy discharge you are wiping away. Lay your baby on their back—on a changing

You don’t need any special equipment. Just wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water. Keep your fingernails short and smooth. Have a few clean, soft cotton balls or gauze pads nearby.

Until then, keep your hands clean, your touch confident, and your heart patient. You’ve got this. Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician before beginning any home treatment for your infant’s medical condition. If they are flailing and crying, take a break

There is nothing quite as disarming as looking into your newborn’s eyes. They are vast, curious, and clear. But sometimes, those beautiful eyes tell a different story—one written in crusty yellow discharge, persistent tears that spill down the cheek, or sticky lashes glued together after a nap.