To clean your baby’s ears, follow these steps:
- Lay the baby down on a safe surface;
- Turn baby’s head so that the ear faces upwards;
- Lightly wet the tip of the diapertowel or gauze in warm water without soap;
- Squeeze the fabric to remove excess water;
- Apply a damp towel, diaper or gauze to the outside of the earto remove dirt;
- Dry the ear with a soft towel.
It is important to remember that only external dirt should be removed, as wax is naturally drained from the ear and eliminated during the bath. The use of cotton swabs is not recommended, as in addition to pushing wax into the ear, it can also increase the risk of accidents, such as a ruptured eardrum, for example.
Wax is a substance naturally produced by the body to protect the ear against the entry of dust and dirt, in addition to forming a barrier that makes it difficult for microorganisms that cause infections and inflammation of the ear, such as otitis, to enter.
When to clean your baby’s ears
Baby’s ears can be cleaned every day after bathing, following the steps indicated. This routine is able to keep the ear canal free of excess wax that can affect hearing and cause infections.
However, if there is excessive wax buildup, it is advisable to consult your pediatrician for professional cleaning and assess whether there is a problem with the ear.
When to go to the pediatrician
Normal earwax is thin and yellowish in color and naturally drains through a small channel inside the ear. However, when there are problems in the ear, the wax may vary in color and thickness, becoming more liquid or thick, and it is recommended that you go to your pediatrician for an evaluation.
Furthermore, when there is a problem, the baby may show other signs such as rubbing his ears, sticking his finger in his ear or even having a fever if an infection is developing. In these cases, consultation with the pediatrician is essential, as this will enable the diagnosis to be made and the most appropriate treatment to be initiated. Discover the main causes of pain in your baby’s ear.
How to avoid ear inflammation
Ear inflammation, also known as otitis, can be prevented with simple measures such as drying the baby’s ear well after bathing, cleaning the outside and back of the baby’s ears well as explained above, and not leaving the ears of the baby under water during bathing.
Furthermore, you should never use any sharp object to try to remove the wax or help clean the inside of the ear, such as cotton swabs, clips or toothpicks, as this can easily open wounds or rupture the child’s eardrum.
