Can a 2-Month-Old Baby Scratch Their Eyes? Vaccine Delay Concerns

Can 2M cause eye injuries? I would also like to ask about the issue of delayed vaccinations?

Hello, Doctor.
I would like to ask two questions:
1) My baby is currently a little over two months old.
Just now, he may have scratched his lower eyelid while trying to sleep.
Although I trimmed his nails three days ago, he still cried for a moment but then stopped and fell into a light sleep after being held for a while.
I'm concerned that he might have touched his eyeball, although the white part of his eye looks fine with no redness.
I'm not sure about the condition of the pupil, but it doesn't seem too different.
Doctor, is it possible for a baby to scratch their own eye? What do you recommend for handling this situation? Should I just observe him for now? (He can currently focus on objects about 20-30 centimeters away and often looks at the rotating mobile above his crib.)
2) Due to the recent severe outbreak of the pandemic, we haven't been able to administer the vaccinations that should be given by two months of age.
What is the latest time we can delay these vaccinations? Thank you for your answers, Doctor.

Xinshou Ma, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/06/16

Dr. Xiao Kaiwen reply Pediatrics

Although the infant is only two months old, protective reflexes are still present, so it is unlikely that they will scratch their own eyes; observation is sufficient.
While vaccines do not specify a cutoff time for administration, the diseases these vaccines protect against are particularly susceptible to infants who lack immunity.
If the infant contracts a disease that is relatively dangerous for young children, delaying vaccination may result in inadequate protection.
Therefore, it is recommended to administer vaccines on schedule.

Reply Date: 2021/06/16

More Info

When it comes to the concerns of a two-month-old baby scratching their eyes and the timing of vaccinations, it's essential to address both issues with care and accurate information.

1. Can a 2-Month-Old Baby Scratch Their Eyes?
At two months old, a baby's motor skills are still developing, and while they may have some reflexive movements, the likelihood of them causing significant harm to their eyes through scratching is relatively low. Babies at this age often explore their environment with their hands, and it’s common for them to touch their faces, including their eyes. If your baby scratched their lower eyelid, it’s possible that they may have caused some minor irritation, but serious injury to the eyeball itself is unlikely, especially if there are no visible signs of redness or blood in the white part of the eye.

Given that your baby was able to focus on objects about 20-30 centimeters away, this indicates that their vision is developing appropriately for their age. The fact that they settled down after a brief period of crying and were able to sleep suggests that they are not in significant distress. It is advisable to monitor your baby for any signs of discomfort, such as excessive tearing, redness, or unusual behavior. If any of these symptoms arise, or if you have persistent concerns, it would be prudent to consult a pediatrician or an eye specialist for a thorough examination.

2. Vaccine Delay Concerns
Regarding vaccinations, it is crucial to adhere to the recommended immunization schedule as closely as possible. Vaccines are designed to protect infants from serious diseases, and delaying them can leave your child vulnerable. While there is no strict cutoff for how late a vaccine can be administered, it is generally recommended to catch up on missed vaccinations as soon as possible. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides guidelines that suggest that if a vaccine is missed, it should be given at the next healthcare visit.

In the context of the current pandemic, many parents have concerns about bringing their infants to healthcare facilities. However, it is important to weigh the risks of potential exposure to COVID-19 against the risks of delaying vaccinations. Most healthcare providers have implemented safety measures to protect patients, including social distancing, mask-wearing, and enhanced sanitation protocols. Therefore, it is advisable to contact your pediatrician to discuss the best time to schedule your baby's vaccinations while considering the ongoing health situation.

In summary, while it is unlikely that your baby has caused significant harm to their eyes through scratching, it is essential to monitor their condition. Regarding vaccinations, it is best to adhere to the recommended schedule and consult with your healthcare provider about any delays to ensure your child receives the necessary protection against preventable diseases.

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