The following are more of a nuisance than a crisis, but can cause problems if not treated:

• Blocked tear duct. A baby with a blocked tear duct (the little opening at the inside corner of the eye) looks like he is continually crying. Your baby's doctor will show you how to massage the area to open the duct. If this doesn't work after many weeks, the doctor may suggest having an ophthalmologist open the tear duct.

• Eye infection. If not kept open, blocked tear ducts can turn into eye infections. Sometimes, of course, eye infections can appear out of nowhere. You'll see a watery discharge that clumps in your baby's eyelashes and sometimes seems to glue his eye shut. First clean the eye by dipping a cotton ball in clean water and wiping from the inside corner to the outside. Repeat until the eye is clean, using a fresh cotton ball for each swipe. If the redness lasts more than seven days, or if the outer eyelids are swollen, call your doctor.

• Pinkeye. Babies with conjunctivitis, or pinkeye, have yellow discharge along with red, irritated-looking eyes. Call your doctor for antibiotic drops or ointment. You can apply cold compresses to soothe the eyes and reduce swelling. Pinkeye is highly contagious, so wash your hands frequently and thoroughly to avoid giving it to others.

• Eczema. These dry, red, and extremely itchy patches most commonly appear in the creases of the elbows, wrists, and knees, but can appear anywhere on the body. Eczema is often inherited, and flares up when the skin is irritated or as a result of food allergies. If your baby gets eczema, use soap infrequently and detergent sparingly. Avoid wool clothing, moisturize him frequently, and, when he's going through a severe bout, talk to your doctor about a prescription for steroid cream to put on the scaly patches. Do not overuse over-the-counter steroid creams because they can thin your baby's skin.