Medical Conditions

Excessive Tearing in Newborns (Watery Eyes)

Medically reviewed by Dr. Michael Okonkwo, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Neonatologist

Content reviewed against published AAP, Mayo Clinic guidelines

Editorial policy

Last reviewed:

If your baby has been diagnosed with or you suspect excessive tearing in newborns (watery eyes), here is what the evidence says.

The short answer

Watery or teary eyes in newborns are most commonly caused by a blocked tear duct (nasolacrimal duct obstruction), which affects up to 20% of babies. The condition is usually harmless and resolves on its own in the first year. Gentle massage of the tear duct area can help, and true tears typically do not appear until 1-3 months of age.

Key takeaways

  • Watery or teary eyes in newborns are most commonly caused by a blocked tear duct (nasolacrimal duct obstruction), which affects up to 20% of babies. The condition is usually harmless and resolves on its own in the first year. Gentle massage of the tear duct area can help, and true tears typically do not appear until 1-3 months of age.
  • Usually normal when: Tearing or watery eyes with clear or slightly yellowish discharge in one or both eyes
  • Call your doctor if: The area around the inner corner of the eye becomes red, swollen, and tender, which may indicate a tear duct infection (dacryocystitis) requiring antibiotics
  • Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“Fever itself is not an illness — rather, it is a sign or symptom that the body is fighting an infection. Fever stimulates certain defenses, such as the white blood cells, which attack and destroy invading bacteria.”
— Fever and Your Child, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

Thousands of parents search for this exact thing. You are not alone.

What Parents Should Know

According to AAP, Mayo Clinic guidelines, watery or teary eyes in newborns are most commonly caused by a blocked tear duct (nasolacrimal duct obstruction), which affects up to 20% of babies. The condition is usually harmless and resolves on its own in the first year. Gentle massage of the tear duct area can help, and true tears typically do not appear until 1-3 months of age. At 0-1 month, newborns typically do not produce tears when crying in the first few weeks. If you notice watery or teary eyes at this very early age, it is often due to a blocked tear duct. The tear duct, which normally drains tears from the eye into the nose, may not be fully open at birth. You may notice a pool of tears in the eye, tears spilling onto the cheek, or sticky yellowish discharge, especially after sleep. Gentle nasolacrimal massage (pressing gently at the inner corner of the eye and stroking downward toward the nose) 2-3 times per day can help open the duct. It is generally considered normal when tearing or watery eyes with clear or slightly yellowish discharge in one or both eyes. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if the area around the inner corner of the eye becomes red, swollen, and tender, which may indicate a tear duct infection (dacryocystitis) requiring antibiotics.

Sources: [1], [2]

Normal vs. Concerning

Usually Normal
Worth Discussing
Tearing or watery eyes with clear or slightly yellowish discharge in one or both eyes
The area around the inner corner of the eye becomes red, swollen, and tender, which may indicate a tear duct infection (dacryocystitis) requiring antibiotics
Crusting on eyelashes after sleep that is easily cleaned
The eye itself appears red or swollen, or your baby has green/pus-like discharge along with fever
The white part of the eye appears normal (not red)
Tearing persists beyond 12 months of age
Baby is not bothered by the tearing and can open the eye fully
You are unsure about proper tear duct massage technique

By Age

What to expect by age

0-1 month

Newborns typically do not produce tears when crying in the first few weeks. If you notice watery or teary eyes at this very early age, it is often due to a blocked tear duct. The tear duct, which normally drains tears from the eye into the nose, may not be fully open at birth. You may notice a pool of tears in the eye, tears spilling onto the cheek, or sticky yellowish discharge, especially after sleep. Gentle nasolacrimal massage (pressing gently at the inner corner of the eye and stroking downward toward the nose) 2-3 times per day can help open the duct.

1-3 months

As your baby begins producing tears (around 1-3 months), a blocked tear duct becomes more noticeable. You may see persistent tearing, crusting on the eyelashes, or sticky discharge. Continue gentle tear duct massage. Keep the area clean with a warm, damp washcloth. The condition resolves without treatment in most babies by 6-12 months.

3-6 months

Blocked tear ducts continue to resolve spontaneously in the majority of cases. Continue tear duct massage as recommended by your pediatrician. If the discharge becomes thick, green, or the eye becomes significantly red or swollen, contact your doctor, as this could indicate a secondary infection (dacryocystitis).

6-12 months

Most blocked tear ducts resolve by 12 months. If the tearing and discharge persist beyond 12 months, your pediatrician may refer you to a pediatric ophthalmologist. A simple procedure called probing can be performed to open the blocked duct, which is successful in over 90% of cases.

What to Tell Your Pediatrician

  • Describe when you first noticed excessive tearing in newborns (watery eyes) and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if tearing persists beyond 12 months of age.
  • Mention if you are unsure about proper tear duct massage technique.
  • Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

What Should You Do?

When to take action

Probably normal when...
  • Tearing or watery eyes with clear or slightly yellowish discharge in one or both eyes
  • Crusting on eyelashes after sleep that is easily cleaned
  • The white part of the eye appears normal (not red)
  • Baby is not bothered by the tearing and can open the eye fully
Mention at your next visit when...
  • Tearing persists beyond 12 months of age
  • You are unsure about proper tear duct massage technique
  • Discharge is getting thicker or more frequent despite massage
Act now when...
  • The area around the inner corner of the eye becomes red, swollen, and tender, which may indicate a tear duct infection (dacryocystitis) requiring antibiotics
  • The eye itself appears red or swollen, or your baby has green/pus-like discharge along with fever

What You Can Do at Home

  • Keep track of when you notice excessive tearing in newborns (watery eyes) — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
  • Remember that tearing or watery eyes with clear or slightly yellowish discharge in one or both eyes — this is generally within the range of normal.
  • At 0-1 month, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
  • Follow any care instructions from your pediatrician. Keep a written log of symptoms to bring to appointments.
  • While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if the area around the inner corner of the eye becomes red, swollen, and tender, which may indicate a tear duct infection (dacryocystitis) requiring antibiotics.

Blocked Tear Duct in Newborns

A blocked tear duct (dacryostenosis) is very common in newborns, affecting up to 20% of babies. It causes persistent tearing and sometimes yellowish discharge from one or both eyes. The tear duct, which drains tears from the eye into the nose, is not fully open. Most blocked tear ducts resolve on their own by 12 months. Gentle tear duct massage can help.

Eye Infection and Discharge in Newborns (Conjunctivitis)

Eye discharge in newborns is common and can be caused by a blocked tear duct (most frequent), chemical irritation from eye prophylaxis, or infection. While most sticky eyes are harmless, any significant redness, swelling, or pus-like discharge in the first month should be evaluated promptly, as certain infections can damage the eye.

Intermittent Crossed Eyes in Newborns

Intermittent crossing of the eyes in newborns is very common and usually normal in the first 3-4 months of life. Your baby's eye muscles are still developing coordination, and occasional misalignment is expected. Most babies develop consistent eye alignment by 4 months of age. If crossing persists beyond 4 months or is constant, an eye evaluation is recommended.

Milestone

Month-by-Month Development

Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.

Guide

When to Call the Doctor

General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.

Frequently asked questions

Is excessive tearing in newborns (watery eyes) normal?
Watery or teary eyes in newborns are most commonly caused by a blocked tear duct (nasolacrimal duct obstruction), which affects up to 20% of babies. The condition is usually harmless and resolves on its own in the first year. Gentle massage of the tear duct area can help, and true tears typically do not appear until 1-3 months of age.
When should I call the doctor about excessive tearing in newborns (watery eyes)?
The area around the inner corner of the eye becomes red, swollen, and tender, which may indicate a tear duct infection (dacryocystitis) requiring antibiotics The eye itself appears red or swollen, or your baby has green/pus-like discharge along with fever
When is excessive tearing in newborns (watery eyes) normal?
Tearing or watery eyes with clear or slightly yellowish discharge in one or both eyes Crusting on eyelashes after sleep that is easily cleaned The white part of the eye appears normal (not red)
What causes excessive tearing in newborns (watery eyes)?
Watery or teary eyes in newborns are most commonly caused by a blocked tear duct (nasolacrimal duct obstruction), which affects up to 20% of babies. The condition is usually harmless and resolves on its own in the first year. Gentle massage of the tear duct area can help, and true tears typically do not appear until 1-3 months of age. Common explanations include: Tearing or watery eyes with clear or slightly yellowish discharge in one or both eyes. Crusting on eyelashes after sleep that is easily cleaned.
What should I mention to my pediatrician about excessive tearing in newborns (watery eyes)?
You should mention excessive tearing in newborns (watery eyes) at your next visit if: Tearing persists beyond 12 months of age. You are unsure about proper tear duct massage technique. Discharge is getting thicker or more frequent despite massage.
Is excessive tearing in newborns (watery eyes) normal at 0-1 month?
Newborns typically do not produce tears when crying in the first few weeks. If you notice watery or teary eyes at this very early age, it is often due to a blocked tear duct. The tear duct, which normally drains tears from the eye into the nose, may not be fully open at birth. You may notice a pool of tears in the eye, tears spilling onto the cheek, or sticky yellowish discharge, especially after sleep. Gentle nasolacrimal massage (pressing gently at the inner corner of the eye and stroking downward toward the nose) 2-3 times per day can help open the duct.
Is excessive tearing in newborns (watery eyes) normal at 1-3 months?
As your baby begins producing tears (around 1-3 months), a blocked tear duct becomes more noticeable. You may see persistent tearing, crusting on the eyelashes, or sticky discharge. Continue gentle tear duct massage. Keep the area clean with a warm, damp washcloth. The condition resolves without treatment in most babies by 6-12 months.
Should I go to the ER for excessive tearing in newborns (watery eyes)?
Seek emergency care if the area around the inner corner of the eye becomes red, swollen, and tender, which may indicate a tear duct infection (dacryocystitis) requiring antibiotics, or if the eye itself appears red or swollen, or your baby has green/pus-like discharge along with fever. When in doubt, call your pediatrician's after-hours line for guidance.
Does excessive tearing in newborns (watery eyes) go away on its own?
In many cases, excessive tearing in newborns (watery eyes) resolves on its own, especially when tearing or watery eyes with clear or slightly yellowish discharge in one or both eyes. By 6-12 months, most blocked tear ducts resolve by 12 months. If the tearing and discharge persist beyond 12 months, your pediatrician may refer you to a pediatric ophthalmologist. A simple procedure called probing can be performed to open the blocked duct, which is successful in over 90% of cases.
AAPMAYO CLINIC

References

  1. [1]American Academy of Pediatrics. Blocked Tear Ducts. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
  2. [2]Mayo Clinic. Blocked Tear Duct. Patient Care and Health Information. Mayo Clinic

Doctor Visit Checklist

Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Excessive Tearing in Newborns (Watery Eyes).

Things to mention

  • Describe when you first noticed excessive tearing in newborns (watery eyes) and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if tearing persists beyond 12 months of age.
  • Mention if you are unsure about proper tear duct massage technique.
  • Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

Observations to share

  • Tearing persists beyond 12 months of age
  • You are unsure about proper tear duct massage technique
  • Discharge is getting thicker or more frequent despite massage

Urgent signs to report immediately

  • The area around the inner corner of the eye becomes red, swollen, and tender, which may indicate a tear duct infection (dacryocystitis) requiring antibiotics
  • The eye itself appears red or swollen, or your baby has green/pus-like discharge along with fever

My notes

From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides

All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.

2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members

Related Resources

Ear Infection TriageEye Discharge TriageWell-Baby Visit PrepBaby Tracker

Bottom line

Most cases of excessive tearing in newborns (watery eyes) are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if the area around the inner corner of the eye becomes red, swollen, and tender, which may indicate a tear duct infection (dacryocystitis) requiring antibiotics.

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.

Share:FacebookX

Was this page helpful?

Related Medical Concerns

Blocked Tear Duct in Newborns

A blocked tear duct (dacryostenosis) is very common in newborns, affecting up to 20% of babies. It causes persistent tearing and sometimes yellowish discharge from one or both eyes. The tear duct, which drains tears from the eye into the nose, is not fully open. Most blocked tear ducts resolve on their own by 12 months. Gentle tear duct massage can help.

Eye Infection and Discharge in Newborns (Conjunctivitis)

Eye discharge in newborns is common and can be caused by a blocked tear duct (most frequent), chemical irritation from eye prophylaxis, or infection. While most sticky eyes are harmless, any significant redness, swelling, or pus-like discharge in the first month should be evaluated promptly, as certain infections can damage the eye.

Intermittent Crossed Eyes in Newborns

Intermittent crossing of the eyes in newborns is very common and usually normal in the first 3-4 months of life. Your baby's eye muscles are still developing coordination, and occasional misalignment is expected. Most babies develop consistent eye alignment by 4 months of age. If crossing persists beyond 4 months or is constant, an eye evaluation is recommended.

My Baby's Head Shape Looks Abnormal

Many babies develop temporary head shape irregularities that are completely normal. A cone-shaped head from vaginal delivery reshapes within days. Mild positional flattening (plagiocephaly) from sleeping on the back is very common and usually improves with repositioning and tummy time. However, head shape changes involving ridges, a persistently bulging fontanelle, or rapid head growth changes should be evaluated to rule out craniosynostosis.

Achondroplasia (Dwarfism) in Babies

Achondroplasia is the most common form of short-limbed dwarfism, affecting about 1 in 15,000 to 40,000 births. It is caused by a mutation in the FGFR3 gene and is usually apparent at birth with characteristic features including short limbs, a larger head, and a prominent forehead. Intelligence is normal. With monitoring for specific complications and supportive care, children with achondroplasia lead full, active, and independent lives.

Adenoid Hypertrophy and Breathing

Adenoids are lymphoid tissue located behind the nose that help fight infection in young children. When adenoids become enlarged (adenoid hypertrophy), they can block the nasal airway, causing chronic mouth breathing, snoring, nasal speech, and sleep-disordered breathing. Enlarged adenoids are most common between ages 2-7 and are a leading cause of obstructive sleep apnea in young children. Treatment ranges from watchful waiting and nasal steroids to surgical removal (adenoidectomy) if breathing or sleep is significantly affected.