Babys First Year Blog
Real Tears
so sad!
One of the comforting thing about newborns is that when they cry, there are no tears. As soon as you soothe them, there is no evidence of the sad episode. One of the unfortunate byproducts of immature tear ducts is what I believe is technically referred to as “goopy eye”.
For the first months of Tate’s life is eyes were constantly clouded by the crusty yellow goop. It drove Steve and I crazy. We were endlessly trying to clean it off only to have it reappear with a vengeance during a nap or crying session.
Then one day, I noticed his right eye seemed completely clear. And just a few days later his left eye was too. And of course the cause of this was that Tate’s tear ducts had finally matured.
I am so happy that his eyes are goop free, but I feel extra guilty when Tate cries and there are tear streaks left on his sweet little cheeks.
Did your babies go through the crusty eyed stage? Did you feel guilty when your baby started crying real tears? I would love to hear about your experiences.
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9 Comments
Assila commented on Aug 11 11 at 2:47 amMy son had goopy eye originally and my midwife suggested squirting breastmilk on/in it. I thought she was being funny, but it worked! We (I) still do it when he needs it and he’s ten months old.
JenAHM commented on Aug 11 11 at 9:22 amI swear my heart actually broke apart the first time our now 4-month old daughter cried real tears. It’s so much different than when she was just crying and there weren’t any tears at all….even she looked startled the first time it happened!
Kristyn commented on Aug 11 11 at 11:07 amBryce’s goopy-eye has cleared up, but no real tears yet. I know my heart will break when he does cry tears. Isn’t the bottom-lip quiver enough? (Gets me every time.)
Natalie commented on Aug 11 11 at 11:33 amMy daughter cried real tears almost from day one! I would always feel so sad when I’d pick her up from her bassinet after only a tiny bit of crying, to feel the little wet spots on her cheeks!
Kate commented on Aug 11 11 at 12:40 pmI cried the first time my now 6 month old cried. Heartbreaking!
Kate commented on Aug 11 11 at 12:41 pmCried real tears, I mean.
Apryl commented on Aug 11 11 at 6:37 pmHoly cow, yes! Atticus’ eyes were so hoppy the first few weeks. It was gross and we just couldn’t leave it alone. Constantly wiping it with warm water. Then just like you said it just disappeared one day.
I remember the first time he cried real tears like it just happened. I almost cried. It’s so sad to see such a tiny little bundle of happiness be sad enough to muster tears.
Meagan commented on Aug 13 11 at 6:55 amHuh… my baby had a bit of goop, but he had tear filled eyes his first week (no running tears) and real tears the week after. I didn’t realize it usually took longer. It is heart wrenching whenever he cries that hard.
Asilee commented on Nov 10 11 at 2:47 pmNope, he simply had a dry face until his ducts developed. I used to feel bad then I feel even worse now. His tears make me sad.
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