Mom’s Question:

My one-month-old son just woke up ready to eat; I got him out of his crib to feed him and noticed he had yellow mucus in his eye. Could he be sick? He doesn’t act sick, but I’m still a little concerned.

Amanda

 

Yellow Mucus In Newborn Baby’s Eyes

Many babies wake up with mucus in their eyes; it does not mean they are sick. It is sometimes dust or debris that is being washed out of their eyes while they are sleeping.

Other reasons for mucus in a baby’s eyes can be a cold that is on its way, an eye infection or a blocked tear duct. Neither are of any major concern unless the baby seems to be ill in other ways or in pain.

However, if your baby continues to have mucus, but you do not notice any redness in his eye or any symptoms like a runny nose, a clogged tear duct is the most likely option. Try cleaning his eye with a cotton ball dipped in saline solution, which you can buy at the drugstore, and gently wipe the eye from the inside corner out. Use a fresh cotton ball for every wipe. If it continues, also ask his Dr to check the eye and maybe prescribe drops or ointments for the tear duct or conjunctivitis if he finds that this is the problem. A clogged tear duct may also require gentle massage to the inner corner of the eye, but you should not start it before the doctor’s advice.

Since your son is so young, he is not “supposed” to be ill. If he starts running a fever or acts ill in any other way, also talk to his doctor.

Hope this helps,

Paula
(Answer approved by our Medical Reference Team)

Red Next About Babies With Eye Problems

Find comments below.

 

Comments

Jun 25, 2013 eye problem
by: Anonymous
my kid since birth is having a problem in eye like water is coming out with some dirt. we consulted doctors as well they told us if can happen to some kids, as his lid has not yet opened it generally takes about a year or so we have also tried some eye drops not effortless can you guide me on this issue

Jul 12, 2013 Please Helpby: Phartiyal


My nephew having a problem in his eyes. The problem is water is coming out from his eyes with some yellow sticky substance.

this problem is after 3-4 days after his birth. now he is 4 months and we consulted so many doctors and eye specialists, but no benifit…
So please consult me a good doctor or some solution. I am from INDIA(Chandigarh)

Thanks is advance…

With Regards
Phartiyal or just send me any solution at my email

[email protected]


Aug 01, 2013 mucus in the right eyeby: Anonymous


my son ‘s right eye has been having mucus since 3weeks the dr says its because of his tear ducks are not really developed…he is now 6 weeks an im still concerned.


Jan 11, 2014 left eye wateringby: Lindsay


My son has the same problem. I need answers too.


Jan 28, 2014 DC
by: Anonymous
My kid was having the same symptoms for about 2 week a couple of years ago..called the pediatritian and we always got the same answers, he needs antibiotics and saline drops, decide not to give the antibiotics and took to a chiropractor specialized in kids..he got adjusted and in less than 48 hours everything was gone. I’ve been taking my kid to the same chiropractor for 2.5 years now and never took him to a MD in the last 2.5 years, since that my kid never got sick anymore and he is so healthier compared to before when he was having regular visits to MD’s.

Feb 14, 2014 chiropracterby: Anonymous


Why would you take a baby to a chiropractor for eye problems???


Mar 07, 2014 articleby: Anonymous


This is an article from parenting.com about how to clear up a blocked tear duct: http://www.parenting.com/article/blocked-tear-duct-infants


Mar 08, 2014 Chiropracticby: Anonymous


Chiropractic involves correcting nerve function. If there is a disruption to the eye nerves, than chiropractic is a great solution.


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  1. Theoldlady

    In the old days we used to use the baby’s wet diaper [pee] to wipe the baby’s eyes with when it had mucus in its eyes. Worked just fine. Baby pee also contains ammonia.