How To Massage Infant Tear Duct Patched 【TRUSTED × COLLECTION】

If this sounds familiar, your baby may have a blocked tear duct (medically known as nasolacrimal duct obstruction ). Before you panic, take a deep breath. This is incredibly common, affecting up to 20% of newborns. And in most cases, the solution is quite literally in your hands.

This is the number one question parents ask. You need more pressure than you think, but less than you fear. A good gauge: You should be able to press firmly enough to feel the bony ridge of the nose move slightly. If you wouldn't feel comfortable pressing on your own closed eye, lighten up. how to massage infant tear duct

Place your index finger (or your pinky for better precision) at the inner corner of your baby’s eye, right next to the bridge of their nose. You are looking for the medial canthus —the small bump where the upper and lower eyelids meet. If this sounds familiar, your baby may have

Massage is the key. Gentle, precise pressure can pop that membrane open like a tiny bubble, allowing tears to flow freely. The specific technique used for this is called the Crigler maneuver . It sounds clinical, but it is simply a gentle, guided squeeze. Here is how to do it safely and effectively. And in most cases, the solution is quite

In many newborns, the very bottom of that “drainpipe” is still sealed by a thin, residual membrane that didn’t fully open before birth. The tears have nowhere to go, so they back up, pool in the eye, and eventually turn into the goopy discharge you are wiping away.

Until then, keep your hands clean, your touch confident, and your heart patient. You’ve got this. Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician before beginning any home treatment for your infant’s medical condition.