Why Are My Baby's Eyes Always Watery? | Parenting Hub
Constantly watery eyes in babies are usually a blocked tear duct, but allergies, wind and irritation can also cause it. Here's what to check.
Most watery eyes in babies trace back to a blocked tear duct that hasn't fully opened. It usually clears by 12 months.
Why it happens
Tears drain through a tiny duct into the nose. In around 1 in 5 newborns, this duct isn't fully open at birth, so tears overflow. Wind, cold air, irritants and early allergies can also cause watering.
What to do
Gentle cleaning with cooled boiled water and, if your nurse has shown you, a soft tear-duct massage. Most cases settle by 12 months. See our blocked tear duct article for the full home-care routine.
When to seek help
- Light sensitivity with watering — may suggest a scratch or glaucoma
- Large, cloudy or hazy cornea
- Watering plus redness, swelling or fever
- Still watering at 12 months — ask for ophthalmology referral
Common questions
Could it be allergies?
Allergic watering is unusual under 12 months. It's more typical in toddlers and older children.