Parenting
How to Safely Clean Your Baby’s Ears at Home (And What to Avoid)
by Emma Johnson
Updated: April 29, 2021
Originally Published: Dec. 23, 2020
Let’s be honest: figuring out how to clean our own ears can be tricky enough, but tackling the task for our little ones? That can feel downright daunting. Baby ears are so small and delicate, and they often seem as fragile as glass. Fortunately, cleaning your baby’s ears is actually a straightforward task! Yes, it really is that simple!
Of course, a bit of caution is necessary, and you should be aware of warning signs that indicate it’s time to consult a pediatrician. However, for the most part, you don’t need to stress about this aspect of baby care. Let’s dive in!
Need more baby tips? Check out our guides on baby bonding, bow-legged infants, baby bouncers, and more.
Do I Need to Clean My Baby’s Ears?
Yes, but not in the way you might think. You should clean behind their ears and make sure they’re dry after bath time. If any water gets into their ears, gently tilt their head from side to side to help drain it. If earwax accumulates outside the ear canal, you can carefully remove it with a towel or tissue.
Important Note: Avoid using cotton swabs (such as Q-Tips) to clean the inside of your baby’s ears or your own ears. Resist the temptation, parents!
How to Clean a Toddler’s Ears
Most pediatricians suggest using a damp washcloth to clean your baby’s ears. Ensure the cloth is moistened with warm water, and wring it out thoroughly before approaching your baby’s ears. You definitely don’t want excess water dripping inside. If water does get in, refer to the previous advice.
Wipe the outer part of your baby’s ear to prevent wax buildup. Just like with cotton swabs, do not insert the washcloth inside the ear canal, and avoid using your finger as well. Babies have a very short eardrum, and you risk causing damage. If your child shows signs of pain or discomfort, schedule a visit with your pediatrician as ear infections are quite common in young children.
Why Avoid Cotton Swabs?
There are several reasons why cleaning the inside of your baby’s ear canals isn’t advisable. First, you could accidentally hurt them. The risk of puncturing their eardrum is real, and you absolutely don’t want to deal with that complication early in your parenting journey.
Secondly, earwax is beneficial and serves important functions like antibacterial protection and lubrication for the ear. While you might have grown up thinking earwax was dirty, it’s actually quite the opposite. So, cut your parents some slack; parenting errors happen! The bottom line is: leave that earwax alone!
Earwax naturally works its way out of the ear, so there’s no need for you to remove it. Our ears are designed to clean themselves—what a marvel!
Attempting to clean ears with cotton swabs can lead to earwax buildup, which may require medical intervention. So, do yourself a favor and skip the cotton swabs!
What if My Baby Has Earwax Buildup?
Having earwax is entirely normal, and the ear canals generally clean themselves. However, if you notice excessive buildup causing discomfort for your baby, consult a pediatrician for potential treatments.
Are Home Remedies for Earwax Safe?
While earwax is beneficial, there are rare instances when it can become problematic. Avoid home remedies like ear candles, which are not recommended by medical professionals. However, you can use over-the-counter earwax drops to soften wax, but it’s best to consult your pediatrician if you’re concerned about baby ears.
Is Earwax a Sign of Infection in Babies?
While earwax is normal, excessive buildup may lead to earaches, which can be a sign of infection. Symptoms of a possible ear infection include sudden hearing issues, fluid drainage from the ears, and your little one tugging at their ears in pain. Other symptoms may include fussiness, fever, and trouble sleeping.
Ear infections occur behind the eardrum in the middle ear, often due to colds or flu. To minimize your baby’s risk, avoid laying them down with a bottle or pacifier, and keep them away from secondhand smoke.
If you suspect your baby has an ear infection, contact your pediatrician promptly for appropriate treatment.
How to Clean Baby Ears After Piercing?
If you’re considering ear piercing for your baby, it’s essential to know how to care for it afterward. Avoid touching the piercing unless you’re cleaning it, and always wash your hands before doing so. Clean both the front and back of the piercing with a cotton swab and alcohol two to three times a day, and gently rotate the earrings during cleaning.
During the healing process, keep your baby away from swimming pools, hot tubs, and open water sources.
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In summary, cleaning your baby’s ears is a simple task that requires caution. Avoid using cotton swabs inside the ear canal, as they can cause injury and lead to wax buildup. Instead, focus on gently cleaning the outer ear and consulting your pediatrician if you notice excessive wax or signs of infection.