Flushing a baby's eye requires a gentle approach using clean water. This is typically done to remove irritants like dust, debris, or chemicals. Never use harsh chemicals or attempt to forcefully remove objects.
When to Flush
Flush your baby's eye if it contains:
- Dust
- Debris
- Chemicals (immediately!)
How to Flush a Baby's Eye
- Use Clean Water: Use lukewarm, clean tap water. Room temperature water is recommended by some sources.
- Gentle Stream: Gently pour a steady stream of water over the affected eye for at least 5 minutes (some sources recommend 15 minutes for chemical exposure). If both eyes are affected and your baby cooperates, you can rinse both simultaneously in the shower.
- Hold Baby Securely: Hold your baby securely to prevent movement and ensure the water flows away from the eye. Tilt their head to allow water to drain naturally.
- Check for Debris: After flushing, check if the irritant is gone. If not, continue flushing.
- Seek Medical Help: If the irritant persists, or if your baby's eye is red, swollen, or shows signs of infection (such as increased discharge or pus), seek immediate medical attention.
Important Considerations:
- Never use anything sharp or abrasive to remove debris.
- Do not rub your baby's eye.
- For younger children, you can use a glass or pitcher to pour water into the eye while holding them face up.
- In some cases, you can try removing a particle with a moistened cotton swab or the corner of a damp cloth. However, if this doesn't work, proceed with flushing the eye.
- If breastfeeding, you may use breast milk to rinse the eye.
Additional Tips:
- Keep your baby calm and relaxed throughout the process.
- Ensure the water is the correct temperature to avoid shocking or harming your baby.
