This article is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. If in doubt, contact your paediatrician or midwife.
Baby Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
Conjunctivitis is one of the most common eye conditions in babies. Sticky, red eyes are often the first scare for new parents — but in most cases it heals well and quickly. It's important to identify the cause: a blocked tear duct in newborns is very different from a bacterial infection at daycare.
Possible Causes
- 1Blocked tear duct (most common cause in newborns — up to 20% affected)
- 2Bacterial infection (purulent, yellow-green discharge, often starts in one eye)
- 3Viral infection (watery discharge, often alongside a cold)
- 4Allergic reaction (both eyes affected, itchy, seasonal — rare in babies)
- 5Irritation from foreign body, chlorine, or dry air
What You Can Do
- Gently clean sticky eyes with boiled (cooled) water and sterile gauze — always wipe from outer to inner corner
- For blocked tear duct: tear sac massage (gentle pressure beside the bridge of the nose, 5-10x daily)
- Bacterial: antibiotic eye drops/ointment from paediatrician (e.g., gentamicin)
- Drop breast milk into the eye — contains antibodies and is a proven home remedy for mild cases
- Wash hands thoroughly before and after eye care to prevent spreading
When to See a Doctor
- Severe swelling of eyelids or redness around the eye (possible orbital cellulitis)
- Baby won't open the eye or shows light sensitivity
- Purulent discharge in newborn under 4 weeks → see doctor IMMEDIATELY (rule out gonococcal infection)
- Eye inflammation after birth within the first 48 hours
- No improvement after 3 days of antibiotic treatment
- Fever along with the eye inflammation
Age-Specific Notes
Newborns (0-4 weeks): Any eye inflammation must be medically evaluated — chlamydia and gonococcal infections during birth are possible. Infants (1-6 months): Blocked tear duct very common, usually resolves on its own by 12 months. Babies (6-12 months): Infectious conjunctivitis more common through contact with other children. Daycare children: Highly contagious — child stays home until discharge has cleared.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put breast milk in my baby's eye?
Is conjunctivitis contagious?
When does a blocked tear duct need surgery?
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This article is for general information only. It does not replace individual medical advice. If you have concerns, contact your paediatrician, midwife, or call emergency services.