7-month-old baby eyes crusty?

Eye crustiness in 7-month-old babies is a common condition. It usually has two main causes:

1. Blocked tear duct (more common): The baby's tear duct may not have fully opened yet. The crust is usually whitish-yellow, watery in consistency, and especially noticeable when the baby wakes up. The white of the eye doesn't turn red, the baby doesn't seem uncomfortable. Wiping the eye with a clean cloth and warm water from inside to outside is enough; it usually opens on its own by 12-18 months.

2. Conjunctivitis (eye infection): If the crust is yellow-green, sticky and thick, the white of the eye or eyelid is red, the baby is rubbing their eye or showing light sensitivity, there may be an infection. In this case, you should consult a pediatrician; sometimes drops are needed.

In both cases: wipe the crusty eye with clean hands, using a clean cloth piece each time. Use separate cloths between eyes to prevent cross-contamination. If the eyelid is swollen and red or the baby has fever, see a doctor the same day.