Blocked tear duct affects 5-20% of newborns. Tear duct (connects inner eye corner to nose) doesn't open fully at birth, causing tears and discharge. Symptoms: watery eyes (tearing without crying), yellow/white discharge in eye corner, crusting on eyelashes (especially after sleep), mildly red or pink eye white. Usually affects one eye but can be both. Most blocked tear ducts open on their own by 12 months. Different from pink eye - discharge is white/yellow (not green), eye white is not very red, and baby seems comfortable.

Croup is viral infection causing swelling around voice box and windpipe. Symptoms: Distinctive barking cough (sounds like seal), hoarse voice, stridor (high-pitched squeaking when breathing in), trouble breathing (worse at night). Most common in fall/winter. Typically lasts 3-7 days. Starts with cold symptoms, then barking cough develops on day 2-3. Worse at night. Scary but usually mild. Caused by parainfluenza virus. Most common in babies 6 months to 3 years.

Ear infections are very common in babies (peak 6-15 months) because Eustachian tubes are short and horizontal. Often follow colds when fluid builds up behind eardrum and gets infected. Symptoms: pulling/tugging at ears, crying (especially when lying down), fever, trouble sleeping, fluid draining from ear, fussiness, loss of appetite, trouble hearing. Not all ear infections need antibiotics - many resolve on their own.