Do babies sleep with their eyes open?

You may have felt a little uneasy if you've ever looked at the little one during a nap and saw that their eyelids were partially open. For new parents in especially, it can be a shock to see a baby sleeping with their eyes open. Let's examine why this occurs and when you might need to pay attention.

Why Do Babies Sleep with Their Eyes Open?

The inability to close the eyelids while sleeping is called nocturnal lagophthalmos, and it happens to babies more often than adults.A baby's muscle control and sleep pattern are still developing in the first few months of growth. This indicates their eyelid-closing muscles may not yet be completely coordinated.

A few common reasons include:

1. Immature nervous system: Newborns often have lighter, more active sleep patterns. It’s not unusual for a newborn to sleep with eyes open or partly open during REM(rapid eye motion) sleep.
2. Family tendency: Sometimes, sleeping with eyes open runs in families.
3. Dreaming and light sleep: Babies spend more time in REM sleep, which makes small twitches, smiles, or open eyes quite normal.

In most cases, it’s completely harmless and will disappear as your baby grows.

Should I Be Worried If My Baby Sleeps with Eyes Open?

You usually don't have to be concerned. This is a common occurrence for healthy babies, particularly during the first year of developing. However, it's worthwhile to consult your pediatrician if you observe any of the following symptoms:

• Your baby’s eyes look dry, red, or irritated after sleep.
• They seem uncomfortable or wake up frequently.
• Their eyelids don’t close at all, even during deep sleep.

Although they are quite rare, your doctor can examine you for potential nerve or eye problems.

How to Care for a Baby Who Sleeps with Eyes Open

Here are a few simple tips to keep your baby’s eyes comfortable and protected:

1. Maintain a calm sleep environment — Use dim lighting and keep the nursery air from getting too dry.
2. Observe your baby — Keep an eye on the baby. If they are sleeping with their eyes open and breathing normally, there is usually no reason for concern.
3. Use a baby monitor — A reliable VT31 Baby Monitor lets you keep an eye on your little one’s sleep patterns without disturbing them.
4. Consult your doctor if unsure — If you ever feel uncertain, getting a quick professional opinion can bring peace of mind.

When Does It Stop?

By the time they are 12 to 18 months old, most babies have outgrown this habit. Their eyelids will normally stay closed when they are at rest as their muscles and sleep patterns develop.

In conclusion

Although it may seem odd at first to see your baby sleeping with their eyes open, this is frequently just another peculiar aspect of early development.You can relax as long as your infant appears to be happy, healthy, and well-rested.

A VT31 Baby Monitor can help you stay in touch if you can't be with them all the time. It will also give you peace of mind while your baby sleeps.