Blocked Tear Duct Newborn Massage Guide

Babies aren’t born with fully developed plumbing. Tears need to drain from the eye down through a tiny tube (the tear duct) into the nose. In newborns, that tube often has a thin membrane blocking the exit. The massage helps pop that membrane open naturally.

Take a deep breath. In the vast majority of cases, that sticky yellow discharge is simply a (medically known as nasolacrimal duct obstruction ). It is incredibly common in newborns, affecting up to 20% of babies. blocked tear duct newborn massage

For 90% of babies, the duct clears up on its own by the time they turn 1 year old. However, with consistent massage, you will usually see improvement within a few weeks. You will know it is working when the eye stops looking watery and the yellow gunk disappears. Babies aren’t born with fully developed plumbing

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician before starting any new home treatment for your newborn. The massage helps pop that membrane open naturally

If you look at your newborn and notice one eye (or both) constantly looking wet, goopy, or crusty, your first instinct might be panic. Is it an infection? Is it pink eye?