Your baby wakes with one red, sticky eye, crusts glued along the lashes. Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is common in babies and usually mild, but newborns and some symptoms need a doctor’s attention quickly. Here is how to recognise pink eye in babies, the different causes and what helps.
Quick answer: pink eye in babies
- Signs: red or pink white of the eye, watery or sticky discharge, crusty lashes, swollen eyelids.
- Causes: viruses (most common), bacteria, allergies or irritants.
- Home care: clean the eye with cooled boiled water from the inside out.
- Newborns under 4 weeks with red or sticky eyes should be seen by a doctor the same day.
Types of pink eye
- Viral: watery discharge, often with a cold; clears in 1 to 2 weeks.
- Bacterial: thick yellow or green discharge and stuck-together lashes; may need antibiotic drops.
- Allergic: itchy, watery eyes in both eyes, often with sneezing; uncommon in young babies.
- Newborn conjunctivitis: can be caused by infections passed on during birth and needs prompt treatment.
Pink eye or a blocked tear duct?
With a blocked tear duct, the eye waters and gets sticky, but the white of the eye stays white. Redness points to conjunctivitis. See blocked tear duct in babies.
Caring for your baby’s eye
- Wash your hands before and after.
- Use cotton wool dipped in cooled boiled water.
- Wipe from the inner corner outwards, with a fresh piece each time and for each eye.
- Do not share towels or flannels.
- Use drops only if your doctor prescribes them.
For more detail, see conjunctivitis in babies.
When to talk to your doctor
- red or sticky eyes in a baby under 4 weeks old
- swollen, red skin around the eye, or the eye bulges: seek urgent help
- sensitivity to light, changes in vision or a very painful eye
- fever, or your baby seems unwell
- symptoms that do not improve after a few days
Frequently asked questions
Is pink eye contagious?
Viral and bacterial pink eye spread easily. Wash hands often and keep towels separate.
Can my baby go to nursery?
Rules vary. In many places, children do not need to stay home for conjunctivitis unless they feel unwell.
Can breast milk treat pink eye?
There is no good evidence. Use cooled boiled water and see your doctor if needed.
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Sources
- NHS: Conjunctivitis
- American Academy of Ophthalmology: Pink eye in children
- American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org: Pink Eye
This guide is general information, not medical advice. If you are worried about your baby’s eyes, talk to your doctor.