Closed eyes

[Anne-Lise]

A friend of mine has been trying to open the eyes of one of her new born baby. Is there anything else she can do after the warm water, Q-tips, etc. It won't open.

 

[AZChins]

I always gently pull them open right away. Sometimes it seems like the eyes are too small and the eye lids stick together and it will take a little more effort to get them open.

 

[Claire D]

The only advice I would give is to keep trying every hour or so. Soaking the eyelid with tepid saline or cooled boiled water and then gently prise the eyelids apart usually owrks - it may just take a few attempts.
The faster one can get the eyelids open the better so that the kits can see where they are going and can get to suckling.

 

[Rickman]

I've only used a warm washcloth, from front to rear. After about 7-10 strokes,with gentle pressure, try using fingers to open.
Seems the faster they're open, the quicker they thrive!

 

[Becky]

I don't mess with the eyes for the first day or so. I think some are just not ready to open. They do fine with them closed- can find the food, etc. Then, if they are not open within a couple of days, then I gently wash them with a wet q-tip. I never pull on them, though.