Cooled boiled water is the best option for cleaning a newborn baby’s eyes. Bathwater might contain bubble bath that could lead to eye irritation. Also, if your baby is already sitting in the bath when you use the water to clean the eyes, the water would not be completely clean and you could risk introducing infection.
Bathe your baby’s eyes either before or after a bath. Prepare a small bowl of boiled water and let it cool to body temperature, then wash your hands thoroughly under the tap. Dip a piece of cotton wool in the bowl, squeeze it, then gently wipe your baby’s eye from the nose outwards. If your baby’s eye is sticky, repeat this until the eye is clean using a new piece of cotton wool for each wipe.
Repeat on the other side, again with a fresh piece of cotton wool which will avoid transferring any infection from the first eye or your baby‘s face.
Gently pat your baby‘s face dry with a soft towel.
Last reviewed by Great Ormond Street Hospital:3 March 2006
This information has been written to provide general information only, and does not replace health or medical advice. If you have any questions, please ask your doctor. No liability can be taken as a result of using this information.
