Babies typically begin to cry visible, real tears between about 2 weeks and 2 to 3 months of age. Newborns cry from birth but usually do not produce noticeable tears right away because their tear glands (lacrimal glands) are not fully mature at birth and produce only enough fluid to keep their eyes lubricated. During the first couple of weeks, babies cry without visible tears, and this is completely normal. Tear production increases as their tear glands mature. Around 1 month, some babies may start producing small tears, and by 2 to 3 months, most babies produce steady visible tears when crying. This timeline can vary somewhat between infants. If a baby is not producing tears by about 3 months of age, it is recommended to consult a pediatrician to rule out any underlying issues. In summary:
- 0 to 2 weeks: Crying without visible tears is normal.
- 2 weeks to 2 months: Tear production begins and visible tears may start appearing.
- 1 to 3 months: Most babies cry with real tears regularly.
This is a natural part of development related to the maturation of the tear glands and tear ducts.
