How To Massage Infant Tear Duct [ No Survey ]

You don’t need any special equipment. Just wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water. Keep your fingernails short and smooth. Have a few clean, soft cotton balls or gauze pads nearby.

Lay your baby on their back—on a changing table, a bed, or your lap. A calm baby is a cooperative baby. Try this during a diaper change or after a feeding when they are relaxed. If they are flailing and crying, take a break. how to massage infant tear duct

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. You don’t need any special equipment

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. Have a few clean, soft cotton balls or gauze pads nearby

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.

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.

This sticky, teary phase is temporary. One morning, you’ll wipe away a crusty eye and realize—the goop didn’t come back. You’ll notice a clear, bright eye looking back at you, tear-free. And you’ll know that your gentle, consistent touch helped open the door.