2yo & eye drops

[hbrockman01]

Looking for suggestions for how to go about administering eye drops for pink eye to my almost 2yo DD. Last time was a struggle and it was a gel vs actual drops. So mama's that have had to do this please all advice is welcomed... TIA

[tee]

When I put eye drops on my own eyes, I have to close them, put the eye drops in the corner of my eye and then blink them in (if that makes sense). Maybe that way would be easier than dropping them in an open eye?

I haven't had to use eye drops on a toddler before, so no real experience but I hope that it goes well and heals quickly!

[allydncr]

I only had to do it last winter, so she was much younger and not as strong, but overall I'd say do it with a partner, and try to do it fast! Can you do one eye at a time? I forget how often you have to put the drops in, but maybe give a break in between. Even at 1 I remember it being one of us holding her down so she wouldn't wiggle, and the other holding her eye open and squeezing the drops in. At least if you're quick, you'll get it over with fast!

Hope it clears up soon!

[3timemom]

I second needing a partner. I would lay her back and hold her eye open with one hand and do the drops with the other. I had to do drops with my girls about that age. It sucked.

[Deleted]

No advice but good luck!

[sudokufan]

Mar 3, 2015 15:41:59 GMT -5 tee said:

When I put eye drops on my own eyes, I have to close them, put the eye drops in the corner of my eye and then blink them in (if that makes sense). Maybe that way would be easier than dropping them in an open eye?

I haven't had to use eye drops on a toddler before, so no real experience but I hope that it goes well and heals quickly!

This is exactly how we did it - corner of the eye and then let him blink.  We usually lay him on the bed on his side so that the eye we're working on is the one on top.  Drop, blink, flip, drop, blink, done.  They gave me gel for my own eyes - never again!!!

[john5111]

When we had to do them one person held open his eye and other dropped them in usually having them lay on the floor...when my husband had to go out of town I did them when he was strapped in the high chair..it was awful!

[Stormtroopooper]

I'm very familiar with eye drops. My son was born with cataracts and had surgery to remove them. We had to do eye drops for 6 weeks, and I use rewetting drops a lot for his contacts now. It's not easy, but it is doable!

This sounds awful, but when it's just me, and if he's in a fighting mood, I have to lay him on the floor, wrap his legs around my waist, and pin his arms under my calves. This gives me both hands to use (one for opening the eye, the other for putting the drops in).

I've also found that it's very helpful to let him know what I'm doing, and why I'm doing it. Then when I put his drops in, I will count to 3. I can usually get the eye open and the bottle of drops ready and then drop it in on 3.

I don't know if this is the case with the pink-eye drops, but our Dr. told us as long as it's hitting inside the eyelid somewhere, you're good. The eye doesn't have to be wide open for the drops to work. A lot of times his eyes will be just barely open. Also, don't freak out if you get a little spillage over the side when she blinks. That's normal since their eyes are so small.

Edited: clarity