My 4 month old son rubs his eyes constantly at night in his crib. I don't think it's just because he is tired. I'm just trying to figure out if there could be another reason for this, is it an allergy, is he self-soothing, is it something else? He just rubs so hard that he has red marks around his eyes. We moisturize around his eyes and use the hydrocortizone near there too (always careful to not get any too close to his eyes) and we don't believe he is rubbing any of that stuff in his eyes, b/c he rubs his eyes before we put any of that on. Has anyone ever dealt with this before with their infant?
It could be allergies. if you have any animals he could be allergic to them. also if they air is dry you need to run a cool mist humidifier. have it running before he goes to bed so the air is not dry. I run a cool mist humidifier and i have a air purifier in the room. may be take a warm washcloth to his eyes before he goes to sleep. if it persists take him to the pediatrician.
Maybe try big bear hugs and more deep pressure before bed with some rocking...sounds like he's disorganized and trying to calm himself:)
Babies often rub their eyes because they are tired. If it's night time and he's in his crib, he's probably tired. I'd stop using anything on his face because he may well get some in his eyes. As long as he doesn't have discharge or fever I wouldn't be too upset about it, but if you are then by all means call your pediatrician.
Possibly your detergent could be irritating his eyes/nose. Does he rub his eyes when he is tired and away from his crib? If not, try a different mild detergent, no fabric softener of course. Maybe too it has something to do with a heating vent near his crib? Or do you have a cat that sleeps in his crib when he's not it it? I'm thinking allergy if he's that agitated. Good luck. I'm sure it's very upsetting b/c you want him to sleep well. Best wishes and I'd also speak to his pediatrician as well just for some further suggestions.
Hi A.,
What is the reason you are putting cream around your baby's eyes?
Wash his litle face with water and his little fists.
Call your peditrician and tell him.
Good luck. D.
A., please do NOT put anything near his eyes. It can get in them and make it worse. As a nurse,we would wash the eyes very gently from the inner corner to the outer corner with a little baby shampoo and water.Use a different part of the cloth for the opposite eye.Sounds like this is his comfort habit.Explore with other measures to comfort him such as a favorite blanket,read a story before bed,etc. If you are really worried and nothing seems to help, I'd ask your pediatrician.It is possible that he may have dry eyes, a blocked tear duct or some other minor problem. Let u know how you make out.
my son is an eye rubber too. he is 5 months and we swaddle him or he will "scratch his eyes out". he never touches them otherwise. i think it's just a tired reaction.
