Eye Rubbing in Babies

Content reviewed against published AAP, AAP, Mayo Clinic guidelines

Editorial policy

Last reviewed:

Eye rubbing is extremely common in babies and is usually a sign of tiredness or self-soothing. However, persistent or frequent eye rubbing can occasionally indicate eye irritation, vision problems, allergies, or pain. Understanding the context and frequency helps determine whether it is normal behavior or warrants investigation.

Key takeaways

  • Eye rubbing is extremely common in babies and is usually a sign of tiredness or self-soothing.
  • Most common cause: Tiredness or sleepiness (self-soothing behavior)
  • Emergency: Eye rubbing after exposure to chemicals or cleaning products
  • Home care: Keep baby's fingernails short and smooth to prevent scratching

Possible Causes

Tiredness or sleepiness (self-soothing behavior)common
Eye irritation from dust, dry air, or mild allergenscommon
Self-discovery and exploration of face (developmental)common
Blocked tear duct causing watery eyesuncommon
Allergic conjunctivitis (itchy eyes)uncommon
Refractive error causing eye strainuncommon
Foreign body in eyerare
Oculodigital sign (eye pressing in visually impaired children)rare

When to Seek Help

Emergency — Call 911 or go to ER:

  • Eye rubbing after exposure to chemicals or cleaning products
  • Visible foreign body that cannot be flushed out
  • Severe eye swelling preventing eye from opening after rubbing

Urgent — See doctor today:

  • Vigorous rubbing with significant eye swelling, redness, and pain
  • Eye rubbing with purulent discharge and fever
  • Rubbing with visible corneal cloudiness or white spot on eye

Same-day appointment:

  • Persistent rubbing of one eye with redness lasting more than 2 days
  • Eye rubbing with allergic symptoms (sneezing, congestion, watery eyes)
  • Rubbing combined with squinting or visual concerns

Monitor at home:

  • Rubbing eyes when tired or as a sleep cue
  • Brief rubbing upon waking from sleep
  • Occasional rubbing during cold or allergy season without other symptoms
  • Exploring face and eyes as part of normal development

By Age

0-3 months

Normal: Babies begin discovering their hands and may accidentally rub their eyes. Rubbing when tired is common and develops as a sleep cue early on.

Worry if: Constant vigorous rubbing with crying, swollen or red eyelids, excessive tearing or discharge, or rubbing combined with no visual tracking by 6-8 weeks.

3-12 months

Normal: Eye rubbing when tired is a very reliable sleep cue at this age. Brief rubbing when waking up is normal. Exploring face and eyes is part of development.

Worry if: Rubbing so vigorously it causes bruising or scratches, rubbing specifically one eye constantly, rubbing accompanied by head shaking or pressing eyes into objects, or rubbing with persistent redness.

1-3 years

Normal: Toddlers rub their eyes when sleepy, when waking up, or when irritated. During allergy seasons, some rubbing is expected. Occasional habitual rubbing is usually benign.

Worry if: Rubbing with significant eye redness, swelling, or discharge; rubbing combined with squinting at objects or holding things very close; pressing eyes repeatedly (especially in children with developmental delays); or rubbing after potential chemical or object exposure.

Home Care

  • Keep baby's fingernails short and smooth to prevent scratching
  • Respond to eye rubbing as a sleep cue and start the nap/bedtime routine
  • Gently redirect hands away from eyes if rubbing is excessive
  • Use a cool-mist humidifier in dry environments to reduce eye irritation
  • Wipe eyes gently with a clean, damp cloth if discharge or crustiness is present
  • Avoid exposing baby to smoke, strong fragrances, or known allergens
  • If allergies are suspected, try washing baby's face and hands after outdoor play
  • Use mittens on young infants who scratch their face while sleeping

Frequently asked questions

What causes eye rubbing?
Tiredness or sleepiness (self-soothing behavior) (common); Eye irritation from dust, dry air, or mild allergens (common); Self-discovery and exploration of face (developmental) (common); Blocked tear duct causing watery eyes (uncommon); Allergic conjunctivitis (itchy eyes) (uncommon); Refractive error causing eye strain (uncommon); Foreign body in eye (rare); Oculodigital sign (eye pressing in visually impaired children) (rare)
When is this an emergency?
Eye rubbing after exposure to chemicals or cleaning products. Visible foreign body that cannot be flushed out. Severe eye swelling preventing eye from opening after rubbing
What can I do at home?
Keep baby's fingernails short and smooth to prevent scratching. Respond to eye rubbing as a sleep cue and start the nap/bedtime routine. Gently redirect hands away from eyes if rubbing is excessive. Use a cool-mist humidifier in dry environments to reduce eye irritation. Wipe eyes gently with a clean, damp cloth if discharge or crustiness is present. Avoid exposing baby to smoke, strong fragrances, or known allergens. If allergies are suspected, try washing baby's face and hands after outdoor play. Use mittens on young infants who scratch their face while sleeping
When should I call the doctor?
Persistent rubbing of one eye with redness lasting more than 2 days. Eye rubbing with allergic symptoms (sneezing, congestion, watery eyes). Rubbing combined with squinting or visual concerns

Sources

AAPAAPMAYO CLINIC

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

2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources

Related Symptoms

red eyeeye not trackingeye discharge

Bottom line

Most cases of eye rubbing in babies are not emergencies. However, seek immediate care if eye rubbing after exposure to chemicals or cleaning products.

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