Do not use your child’s medicine for this purpose. Use a drugstore eye drop, particularly one designed for hydrating dry eyes.

You can also wear gloves while applying the medicine to be extra cautious. You should still wash your hands before putting on the gloves.

If the baby is upset or wiggling, ask another adult to help. They can help hold the baby’s head still while you quickly put the drops in. This will also free your hands to help with applying the drops. [13] X Research source

If your baby opens their eyes, it will run into their eyeballs. If they do not open their eyes, you can open their eyes for them. With your index finger resting on their brow and your thumb on their cheek, gently pull open their eyelids so that the medicine runs in.

Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water.

If they refuse to open their eyes, place your index finger on their upper eyelid and your thumb on the lower. Gently pry open the eye so that the medicine can run in. If the medicine does not touch their eyeball, you may need repeat the process. The closed eye method, although it can work for squirming children, is not as effective as applying the medicine directly to the eye.