Watery Eyes (Epiphora) in Babies

Content reviewed against published AAO, AAP, AAPOS guidelines

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Watery eyes (excessive tearing) in babies is extremely common. The most frequent cause is a congenitally blocked nasolacrimal duct (tear duct), which occurs in up to 20% of newborns. The blockage usually resolves on its own within the first year of life. Watery eyes can also be caused by irritation, infection, or allergies.

Key takeaways

  • Watery eyes (excessive tearing) in babies is extremely common.
  • Most common cause: Blocked nasolacrimal duct (congenital dacryostenosis)
  • Emergency: Watery eyes with cloudy or enlarged corneas in a newborn (possible congenital glaucoma)
  • Home care: Nasolacrimal duct massage: gently press at inner corner of eye near nose and stroke downward 5-10 times, 2-3 times daily

Possible Causes

Blocked nasolacrimal duct (congenital dacryostenosis)common
Upper respiratory infection (cold)common
Wind or cold air irritationcommon
Viral conjunctivitisuncommon
Allergies (seasonal or environmental)uncommon
Congenital glaucomarare
Foreign body or corneal abrasionrare

When to Seek Help

Emergency — Call 911 or go to ER:

  • Watery eyes with cloudy or enlarged corneas in a newborn (possible congenital glaucoma)
  • Tearing with severe light sensitivity and eye squeezing in an infant
  • Sudden tearing with visible foreign body or after chemical exposure

Urgent — See doctor today:

  • Red, swollen, tender bump at inner corner of eye near nose (dacryocystitis)
  • Tearing with thick green discharge and significant eyelid swelling
  • Watery eye with apparent pain (baby rubbing eye and crying)

Same-day appointment:

  • Watery eyes with red conjunctiva (pink eye needing evaluation)
  • Blocked tear duct with increasing mucoid discharge (possible secondary infection)

Monitor at home:

  • Clear tearing from one or both eyes with no redness or swelling (likely blocked duct)
  • Watery eyes during a cold that resolve when cold resolves
  • Known blocked tear duct with typical mild symptoms and no infection signs
  • Tearing in windy or cold weather (normal reflex tearing)

By Age

0-3 months

Normal: Babies typically do not produce visible tears until 2-3 weeks of age. Once tears appear, one-sided or bilateral watering from a blocked duct is very common and normal.

Worry if: Excessive tearing with a cloudy or enlarged cornea (possible congenital glaucoma — requires urgent referral). Light sensitivity combined with tearing.

3-6 months

Normal: Blocked tear duct remains the most common cause. Tears pool in the eye and may overflow onto the cheek. May worsen during colds.

Worry if: Red, swollen, tender area at the inner corner of the eye near the nose (dacryocystitis — infected tear duct sac). Any blood-tinged tears.

6-12 months

Normal: Most blocked ducts resolve by 12 months. Tearing may fluctuate — better at times and worse during colds.

Worry if: Persistent blockage approaching 12 months (may need ophthalmology referral for probing procedure). Recurrent infections of the tear duct.

1-3 years

Normal: After 12 months, blocked tear ducts are less common and tearing is more often from colds, wind, or allergies.

Worry if: Chronic unilateral tearing after 12 months (blocked duct may need intervention). New-onset tearing with eye rubbing and seasonal pattern (allergies).

Home Care

  • Nasolacrimal duct massage: gently press at inner corner of eye near nose and stroke downward 5-10 times, 2-3 times daily
  • Clean overflow tears and mild discharge with warm damp cotton ball
  • Use a fresh cotton ball for each eye
  • If allergies suspected in older baby: keep windows closed during high pollen, wash face after outdoor play
  • Do not use over-the-counter eye drops without doctor guidance
  • Keep baby's hands clean to reduce risk of eye infection from rubbing

Frequently asked questions

What causes watery eyes (epiphora)?
Blocked nasolacrimal duct (congenital dacryostenosis) (common); Upper respiratory infection (cold) (common); Wind or cold air irritation (common); Viral conjunctivitis (uncommon); Allergies (seasonal or environmental) (uncommon); Congenital glaucoma (rare); Foreign body or corneal abrasion (rare)
When is this an emergency?
Watery eyes with cloudy or enlarged corneas in a newborn (possible congenital glaucoma). Tearing with severe light sensitivity and eye squeezing in an infant. Sudden tearing with visible foreign body or after chemical exposure
What can I do at home?
Nasolacrimal duct massage: gently press at inner corner of eye near nose and stroke downward 5-10 times, 2-3 times daily. Clean overflow tears and mild discharge with warm damp cotton ball. Use a fresh cotton ball for each eye. If allergies suspected in older baby: keep windows closed during high pollen, wash face after outdoor play. Do not use over-the-counter eye drops without doctor guidance. Keep baby's hands clean to reduce risk of eye infection from rubbing
When should I call the doctor?
Watery eyes with red conjunctiva (pink eye needing evaluation). Blocked tear duct with increasing mucoid discharge (possible secondary infection)

Sources

AAOAAPAAPOS

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

2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources

Related Symptoms

eye dischargeswollen eyelid

Bottom line

Most cases of watery eyes (epiphora) in babies are not emergencies. However, seek immediate care if watery eyes with cloudy or enlarged corneas in a newborn (possible congenital glaucoma).

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