If your baby has dry eyes or an eye condition like conjunctivitis, your pediatrician may prescribe eye drops. These eye drops may help lubricate the baby's eyes or deliver medication. Unlike adults, who can administer eye drops on their own, babies need you to put the drops in their eyes for them. For the best results, give your infant the drops very carefully to avoid stressing your baby out.
Step 1
Wash your hands and dry them thoroughly.
Step 2
Place your baby on his back on a soft, flat surface like a bed, or on your lap facing you.
Step 3
Tilt her head back slightly, recommends PediatricPlanet. If possible, a family member or friend can help hold your baby's head and comfort him while you're administering the eye drops.
Step 4
Pull down your baby's lower eyelid gently using one of your fingers, according to the UCL Institute of Child Health.
Step 5
Position the eye dropper just above the baby's eye.
Step 6
Squeeze the eye dropper to dispense a single drop into the lower eyelid region, and then let go of the baby's lower eyelid.
Step 7
Dab around the baby's eye with a tissue to wipe away any eye drop liquid that may have escaped from her eye, suggests the UCL Institute of Child Health.
Step 8
Repeat the entire process for the second eye.
Tips and Warnings
- "Today's Parent" magazine states that it can be easier to give a baby or toddler eye medications in gel form rather than drop form because gels are easier to handle and won't drip as easily. You may wish to ask your pediatrician if there are thicker versions of the eye drops you've been prescribed.
- Don't let the eye dropper touch the baby's eye, eyelid or eyelashes.
Things You'll Need
- Hand soap
- Towel
- Eye drops
- Family member or friend (optional)
- Tissue
