Do this motion 5 to 10 times in a row, once or twice per day (e.g., at the morning diaper change and the evening bath).
Find the inner corner of the affected eye, right where the upper and lower eyelids meet near the nose. You’re looking for a small, bony ridge (the side of the nose). Just inside that ridge, near the eye, is the tear sac .
In about 6-20% of babies, that duct has a thin, residual membrane at the bottom (near the nose) that hasn’t opened yet. This is called —or, simply, a clogged tear duct. clogged tear duct newborn massage
And in the vast majority of cases, one ordinary morning, you’ll wipe that eye clean… and it will stay clean. The duct has opened, the tears will now flow where they belong, and you can put this chapter behind you.
Think of it like gently squeezing a water balloon from the top—pressure travels down and clears the nozzle. Do this motion 5 to 10 times in
If the blockage persists beyond 1 year, an ophthalmologist can perform a —a 2-minute procedure where a thin, blunt wire is passed through the duct to open the membrane. It sounds scarier than it is; babies often don’t even need sedation. A Reassuring Final Note Every crusty morning, every unexpected tear rolling down a laughing baby’s cheek—these are not signs of a serious problem. They are simply nature taking its time.
If there is zero improvement after of consistent massage, talk to your pediatrician about next steps (usually a simple in-office probe procedure after 12 months of age). What If Nothing Works? Don’t worry. Even if massage doesn’t open the duct, the condition is self-limiting. Most ducts open on their own by 12 months , as the baby’s face grows and the duct widens naturally. Just inside that ridge, near the eye, is the tear sac
Your gentle massage is more than a medical technique. It’s a moment of connection: your warm finger on your baby’s tiny face, a few slow breaths together, a quiet routine that says, “I’ve got you.”