Why Do Babies Rub Their Eyes? Understanding Infant Eye Rubbing Behavior

Babies often rub their eyes when they’re tired, prompting parents to recognize it as a sign that it’s time for a nap. But what triggers this behavior in infants, and what does it signify?
Dr. Rebecca Dudovitz, an associate professor of general pediatrics at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, suggests that eye rubbing in babies, much like in adults, may stem from a feeling of discomfort after prolonged visual activity. Just as your shoulders may crave a massage after a day at the desk, the muscles responsible for focusing the eyes may benefit from a rub when fatigued. Babies spend a significant portion of their time fixating on objects, leading to tiredness and dryness in their eyes due to reduced blinking frequency.
Dr. Robert W. Arnold, an ophthalmologist at Alaska Children’s Eye & Strabismus, explains that prolonged visual attention can impede proper blinking, causing the tear film—a tri-layer structure consisting of mucus, salt water, and oil—to break apart. Consequently, the surface of the cornea, the clear outer part of the eye, may develop dry patches, prompting the urge to rub the eyes as a subconscious reminder to blink more frequently.
While eye rubbing may provide temporary relief, Arnold warns against excessive rubbing, as it can lead to vision problems. Contrary to the belief that rubbing the eyes reduces blood pressure and induces relaxation through stimulation of the trigeminal and vagus nerves, Arnold disputes this notion, suggesting that intentional activation of the oculocardiac reflex—the slowing of heart rate through eye stimulation—is unlikely in children and may even pose serious health risks.
Ultimately, the primary reason babies rub their eyes is likely the same as adults: fatigue and dryness signal that it’s time for a rest. However, caregivers should be cautious of excessive rubbing and ensure adequate eye care to maintain ocular health in infants.

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