Gently clean your newborn's eyes daily with a soft, clean cloth or cotton ball dampened with warm, boiled water. Always wipe from the inner corner of the eye to the outer corner to prevent spreading any potential infection.
Cleaning Your Newborn's Eyes: A Step-by-Step Guide
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Wash your hands: Before starting, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water to prevent the transfer of germs. Multiple sources, including Raising Children Network, ICR, and Pampers emphasize handwashing as the crucial first step.
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Prepare your supplies: Use a soft, clean cloth or cotton ball. A separate cotton ball or clean section of the cloth should be used for each eye to avoid cross-contamination. Warm, boiled water is recommended; avoid using soap. Sources like the NHS and HSE.ie recommend using cooled boiled water.
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Gentle wiping: Dampen the cotton ball or cloth slightly (avoid soaking it), and gently wipe from the inner corner of the eye (closest to the nose) outwards. Repeat with a fresh cotton ball or clean section of the cloth for the other eye. Several sources, including Medical News Today, Pregnancy Birth and Baby, and a YouTube video on cleaning baby's eyes emphasize this direction to prevent infection spread.
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Addressing Sticky Eyes: If your baby has sticky eyes (discharge), gently clean as described above. If the discharge persists or worsens, or if you notice any redness or swelling, consult your pediatrician. This advice is echoed by Healthier Together.
Important Note: Never use soap or harsh chemicals near your baby's eyes. If you have any concerns about your baby's eye health, always consult a healthcare professional.
