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Blinking is a normal reflex that we all do every day. Chances are that most parents don’t think about how much their toddler is blinking — until they start noticing that their child is blinking a lot. While the average baby blinks two or three times a minute, toddlers blink more often, up to 10 to 15 times per minute. Excessive blinking is characterized as repeated instances of blinking 15 times or more per minute, and often parents are the first to notice when a toddler is blinking a lot. The good news is that excessive blinking is almost never a sign of a serious medical problem. Read on for a closer look at why your toddler might be blinking more than before.
Allergies and eye blinking
Just like adults, toddlers can have environmental allergies that make them sensitive to things like pollen, ragweed, and pet dander. Allergies can cause a variety of eye problems, including swollen, red, and itchy or watery eyes. Some toddlers may blink more to relieve these eye symptoms. If your toddler's excessive blinking is accompanied by a runny nose or congestion, it could be allergies. Many environmental allergies are seasonal, though some toddlers may be sensitive to dust in the home or even to the family pet, so if the symptoms persist, an allergy test may be recommended by your doctor.
Toddler tics
Tics are sudden involuntary repetitive movements that up to 20% of children may experience. For some toddlers, excessive blinking can be a tic. Tics are more common for boys than girls, but it is still unclear why they develop. Tics are often worse when children are stressed out or overtired; you might notice an increase in blinking when your toddler has missed a nap or is feeling anxious.
Tics will generally resolve on their own, but you may want to contact your pediatrician for blinking tics that seem to be getting worse or are accompanied by other tic behaviors like involuntary noises or head jerking. These can be warning signs for Tourette’s syndrome, which can begin developing as early as 2 years old.
Most tics are not a sign of Tourette's, however, and will resolve on their own in a matter of weeks. You’ll want to check with your child's doctor for tics lasting longer than a month.
Excessive blinking and vision problems
If your toddler’s excessive blinking is also accompanied by frequent squinting, it may be time to get their vision checked. Some excessive blinking can be a sign that your toddler needs glasses. Excessive blinking can also be caused by corneal abrasions, dry eyes, or the early stages of pink eye. Your pediatrician may be able to check for pink eye and will likely refer you to an opthamologist if vision problems or corneal abrasions are suspected.
Regardless of the reason, your toddler’s excessive blinking is likely not a sign of a more serious issue, and it's likely to resolve with minimal intervention.
