If you’ve spent time with a baby, you’ve likely noticed that their tiny hands are always on the move. Whether they’re exploring their mouths, clutching a favorite toy, or rubbing their faces, those little hands are busy. But what happens when a baby becomes fixated on pulling their ears? Are they just discovering new parts of their body? Are they practicing their comedy routines? Or could it be a sign of something more concerning, like an ear infection? If you’re left wondering, don’t fret. Here’s a rundown of why your baby might be tugging, scratching, or rubbing their ears.
Why Does My Baby Keep Pulling Their Ear?
If your baby is frequently pulling, scratching, or rubbing their ear, you may find yourself asking why. According to experts at Seattle Children’s Hospital, ear pulling is completely normal for infants aged four to twelve months. Younger children under three often rub their ears as well. If your little one is tugging at their ear but isn’t running a fever or showing other signs of illness, this behavior is usually harmless.
Some common reasons for ear pulling include:
- Discovering Their Ears: Babies take time to understand their bodies. By around their first birthday, they often lose interest in their ears and move on to new discoveries.
- Habit: Once they’ve figured out their ears, they may continue the behavior out of habit.
- Self-Soothing: Similar to thumb-sucking, ear pulling can be a way for babies to comfort themselves. If they do this before naps or bedtime, it might be a sign that it helps them relax.
- Earwax: While more common in older children, babies may tug at their ears due to earwax buildup.
- Itchy Skin: If the skin around their ears is itchy, they might scratch or pull. Common causes include dryness, soap reactions, temperature changes, or certain fabrics.
If your baby is persistently pulling on or rubbing their ear and has a fever or other signs of pain, it could indicate:
- Ear Infection: This often comes with fussiness, loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, crying, irritability, or other flu-like symptoms.
- Teething: The nerves in a baby’s mouth are closely linked to their ears, making it tricky to distinguish between teething discomfort and ear issues.
What Should I Do If My Baby Keeps Pulling Their Ear?
If you suspect your baby is in pain or might have an ear infection or is teething, it’s best to consult your pediatrician. If that’s not the issue, you can play detective and try to uncover the cause. If you think their ear might be itchy, check for dry or irritated skin. If it seems more like a self-soothing habit, consider offering a toy for them to hold instead.
Other Quirky Behaviors Babies Exhibit
Babies are full of surprises! If you think ear pulling is peculiar, check out these other funny things they do:
- Startle Reflex: Sometimes babies suddenly fling their arms and legs as if they’re falling.
- Funny Breathing: Periodic breathing is sometimes normal in newborns, even if it seems inconsistent.
- Sleeping with Their Eyes Open: It can be startling, but some babies do this too.
- Curiosity During Changes: Babies around six to seven months old are curious about everything, including their bodies.
- Tearless Crying: In the first few weeks of life, it’s normal for babies to cry without producing tears.
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In summary, ear pulling in babies is usually a normal behavior related to exploration or self-soothing. However, if accompanied by fever or signs of discomfort, a check-up with the pediatrician is advisable.