Excessive Tearing in Newborns (Watery Eyes)
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.
Thousands of parents search for this exact thing. You are not alone.
By Age
What to expect by age
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.
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.
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).
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 Should You Do?
When to take action
- 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
- 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
- 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
Sources
Related Resources
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician.
Worrying about your baby means you care. That is a good thing.
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.