Ask a Doctor

Apurwa Naik, MD
Neonatologist
Central Ohio Newborn Medicine
285 E. State St., Ste. 520
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Phone: (614) 566-9683

Q: Why do newborns cry without tears? 

A:  MYTH: Newborn babies do not have tears when they cry.
 
FACT: Most newborn babies do have tears while crying.
 
Recent studies have shown that full term newborn babies do have tears when crying. Since the amount of tears produced is less than that of an adult, it is difficult to see tears rolling down from their eyes. Tear production in most newborn babies will increase as they grow reaching adult levels when they are 1-2 months old. Even premature babies make tears but in much less quantities than a full term baby.
 
If a newborn has red, dry or irritated eye(s) then it could be a symptom of an infection or inadequate tear production. Call your baby's doctor for a consultation or appointment.