7 Tips If Your Baby Sleeps With One Eye Open

Have you noticed your sleeping baby has one of her eyelids open? Ever wonder why your perfect baby is sleeping like this? As odd as this may seem, it is not odd at all and happens more often than you might think. A closed eyelid offers an opportunity for the eye to get moisture.

A moisturized eye is less likely to become itchy or irritated. A closed eyelid also keeps light from entering the eye and stimulating the brain, thus, giving the brain a rest. This is also particularly good for your baby. It is thought that and open eye during rest time occurs during the period of sleep known a REM sleep. REM sleep is interesting because it is during REM sleep that increased brain activity is occurring, giving way to learning and dreams. Have you ever wondered what your baby dreams about?

Well, at least you now know that when you see your baby sleeping with one-eyed open that chances are, your baby may be dreaming. A baby who sleeps with one-eyed open is more common than you may realize. It is common until your baby reaches 18 months of age. With all this said, when your baby crosses the 18-month mile marker and has not learned to sleep with his or her eyes shut, then, by all means, make your baby’s pediatrician aware and follow up on any future baby appointments.

1. Try to close the open eyelid gently

You are checking on your sleeping baby and notice one of his eyes are open. You can try to gently close the eyelid by sliding your fingers across the eyelid from the top of the eyelid, motioning downward. This may be the easiest step to help close that open-eyed sleeping baby.

2. Keep that eyelid moist

It may sound strange, but keeping your baby’s eyes moist may help your baby keep their eyes naturally shut during their napping/sleeping times. Be sure to ask your baby’s doctor or nurse what they recommend you putting into your baby’s eye. When your baby’s eye is open, it can become dry, and it may be possible that the eyelid “sticks” open.

3. Keep your little bundle of joy on a regular schedule

This may seem like an odd tip but just think. If your baby is on a regular sleeping schedule and eating schedule, then their sleeping times are less likely to be interrupted with hunger pains. If the baby can get to sleep on a schedule, he is more likely to keep his eyelids shut. One thing I want to mention here. Your baby may have inherited the open-eyed sleeping baby syndrome from one of their parents or other relatives. Ask around your family to see if anyone else has experienced this phenom. You may just learn something new about your family that you never knew before.

4. Keep baby’s room warm, comfortable, and dark

By keeping your baby in a warm, darkroom. You are helping your baby to get the best sleep time possible. Even if your baby has trouble keeping her eyelid shut, when you have met the need for your sleeping baby, she will be able to slumber in the best possible conditions—sweet dreams sleepy baby.

5. Relaxing your baby

It is possible that your one-eyed open baby is overstimulated and has a hard time relaxing. Try giving your little one a nice, soothing bath. By relaxing your baby before putting him to bed, you might just find that open eyelid closes on it is on. If soothing music helps to relax, baby, you can also try playing some music. Be mindful of the volume. You are not trying to keep baby up, and some babies require a room sans noise.

6. Back Sleeper

Try to encourage the baby to sleep on her back by placing her on her back when it is time to go to sleep. Back sleepers receive better air circulation. Better air circulation promotes a deeper more restful sleep time. When it is time to go to bed, take a moment and make sure that the baby’s sleeping area is free of toys, blankets or any other object that can distract or get in the way of the baby. Give your baby a sleeping area free of any distractions.

7. Time for a baby eye exam

Should nothing else help your one-eyed open sleeping baby, close that eye during sleep time. Then schedule an eye exam with your baby’s doctor to make ensure your baby’s eye is properly moisturizing on its own. Your doctor can also check the cornea to ensure there is no damage to the baby’s eye. In some cases, an ointment may be administered under a doctor’s supervision to repair corneal damage. While corneal damage is not quite common, it may still occur. You can never protect your baby’s eye enough.

You can rest assure that a sleeping baby with one-eyed open is common. We can all understand that your concerns are rooted in a place of love. Furthermore, you can sleep soundly knowing that baby can get a great night’s sleep even with one eye open wide.

Conclusion

There is a condition where there may be something to your baby’s eye condition. There is an exceedingly small chance your baby may have congenital Ptosis. This condition is known to cause malformed eyelids and can only be diagnosed by a doctor. This condition cannot be self-diagnosed and will require medical attention. If you feel like your baby may have Ptosis, please seek medical attention.

If your doctor tells you there is nothing wrong with your baby’s eye, then you can rest easy knowing the baby is in good care, and you do not need to worry.