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
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.
