Verified by Edna Skopljak MD
Edna Skopljak is a medical doctor and an editor at BJBMS medical journal. She graduated from the University of Sarajevo School of Science and Technology.
One of the more common concerns among new parents is when their baby does not seem to blink. While this may be a natural quirk your infant has developed, it can also point to some underlying issues that should be addressed. Understanding what could be causing the problem and how to handle it will help you ensure your baby is healthy and developing typically.
Reasons Your Baby Might Not Blink:
1. Uncontrollable muscle movements
If a baby has uncontrolled muscle movement, it can make it difficult for them to blink. This is true in premature infants with immature nervous systems.
2. Visual impairments
A baby who does not blink could have a visual impairment or blindness. This could be due to several issues, including retinopathy of prematurity, an eye infection, or some trauma.
3. Unusual eye shapes
If your baby has eyes that are shaped differently than usual, like almond-shaped or slanted eyes, they may not blink as often for this reason.
4. Neurological issues
Babies with delayed neurological development may not blink as often since they have trouble controlling their eye muscles and other facial movements.
5. Eye irritation from allergies or infection
Your baby’s eyes may be irritated when something like dust, pet dander, or infection causes them to produce too many tears. This can make it difficult for the baby to keep their eyes closed and maintain steady blinking.
Solutions to Help with Baby Blinking:
1. Massage therapy
Gently massaging your baby’s face and eyes may help promote blinking. This can also help relax their facial muscles and reduce muscle tension. However, if your baby is premature, it’s essential to consult a medical professional before attempting massage therapy.
2. Eye drops
Your doctor may also suggest you use eye drops or ointments to soothe any irritation causing the lack of blinking. Eye drops can also help promote regular blinking and keep your baby’s eyes lubricated.
3. Vision therapy
Your pediatrician may recommend vision therapy if they suspect a visual impairment or neurological issue is causing the lack of blinking. Vision therapy may include exercises, corrective lenses, patching one eye to improve vision in the other, and other treatments.
4. Allergy medications
If allergies are causing the issue, your doctor may suggest medication to reduce their symptoms and prevent further irritation. For example, antihistamines can help reduce eye irritation and promote regular blinking.
5. Regular check-ups
It’s essential to take your baby for regular check-ups at the doctor’s to ensure their eyes develop typically. This can help diagnose and treat any underlying issues causing them not to blink and ensure they get the proper care.
Conclusion
Pay attention if your baby does not often blink, as this could be a sign of an underlying issue. There are several potential causes and solutions for why your baby might not be blinking, including uncontrolled muscle movements, visual impairments, unusual eye shapes, neurological issues, or irritation from allergies or infection.
If you notice that your baby isn’t blinking enough, make sure to talk with their doctor so they can determine the cause and provide appropriate treatments. With proper care and support, most babies will eventually learn to control their eye muscles and start blinking normally again.
Sources:
https://thesicklymama.com/2020/12/29/why-doesnt-my-baby-blink/
https://www.livescience.com/62988-why-babies-rarely-blink.html
https://easternshorepost.com/2022/04/29/random-facts-about-babies-so-weird-they-dont-blink/
