Baby Conjunctivitis: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment | Parenting Hub
Red, gritty, weeping eye in baby? Learn how to tell viral, bacterial and allergic conjunctivitis apart and when to see your GP.
Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the thin lining over the eye. Most cases settle on their own, but newborns and very red eyes always need a check.
What it looks like
The white of the eye looks pink or red. The eye may water, feel gritty (baby rubs it), and produce discharge that's clear, yellow or green. One or both eyes can be affected.
Three common types
Type matters because treatment differs.
- Viral — watery discharge, often with a cold; clears in 1–2 weeks; no antibiotics needed
- Bacterial — yellow/green sticky discharge; may need antibiotic drops if not settling
- Allergic — both eyes itchy and watery, often with sneezing; treat the allergy
Home care
For mild cases, gentle cleaning is enough.
- Clean eye with cooled boiled water and fresh cotton ball, inner to outer corner
- Wash hands before and after — conjunctivitis is contagious
- Use separate towels and face washers
- Keep baby home from childcare until discharge stops or as advised by GP
When to see a doctor
Always see a GP for a red eye in a baby under 3 months — newborn eye infections can be serious and need prompt assessment.
Also see your GP if discharge is heavy and green, the eyelid is swollen, baby has a fever, or symptoms aren't improving after 3–4 days.
When to seek urgent care
Red, swollen eyelid that's hot or tender, eye pain, light sensitivity, or any change in baby's alertness — same-day medical assessment.
When to seek help
- Baby under 3 months with a red eye
- Red, swollen, hot or tender eyelid
- Fever, lethargy, or baby looks unwell
- Symptoms worsening after 3 days
Common questions
Is it contagious?
Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are both contagious. Wash hands often, use separate towels, and keep baby home from childcare while the eye is weeping.
Can I use breastmilk?
There's no strong evidence breastmilk treats conjunctivitis. Stick to gentle cleaning with cooled boiled water and see your GP if the eye is very red or baby is unwell.