Question
Why does a 7-day-old infant often close their eyes?
Answer
When an infant is born, they leave the warm womb of their mother and enter a completely unfamiliar environment. They are not yet accustomed to the temperature, humidity, and light in the room, so many babies do not open their eyes immediately after birth. This is a normal phenomenon, and the mother does not need to worry too much. A cotton swab dipped in water can be gently used to wipe the eyes, but be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this could harm the baby. If the baby continues not to open their eyes, it is still advisable to go to the hospital for a check-up to see if there might be a problem with the baby’s eyes.