How to Treat Ear Infections in Infants

Ear infection is the most common diagnosis of pediatricians, so understanding and becoming aware of the symptoms can assist with home treatment of infants. Many think that ear pulling is the first sign of an ear infection, but according to drgreene.com, ear pulling isn't the right approach. Ear infections hurt, so an infant will express this through lots of crying and other signs of discomfort, especially at night when the pressure is worse. Fluid fills the ear during an ear infection, which causes the pain and discomfort, and an infant may try to self-sooth by shaking her head back and forth.

Things You'll Need

  • Washcloth
  • Ear dropper
  • Olive, vegetable or garlic oil
  • Infant pain and fever reliever

Instructions

    • 1

      Apply a warm compress such as a washcloth to the ear several times during the day to assist with treating an ear infection in an infant. The warmth will soothe the infant's sore ears.

    • 2

      Continue to breast-feed if nursing. Breast milk contains natural antibiotics that help fight disease. If the infant is bottle-fed, make sure to feed in a semi-upright position to alleviate pressure buildup in the ears.

    • 3

      Keep the infant away from other sick children or large groups of people to help avoid germs. When infants have an ear infection, their immune system is impaired so they are more apt to get other illnesses. Try not to expose the infant to secondhand smoke, which can irritate the already infected ears.

    • 4

      Apply several drops of lukewarm olive, vegetable or garlic oil into the ears with an ear dropper to assist with treatment of ear infections. Make sure the ears are not releasing any pus or liquid before administering oil to ears.

    • 5

      Administer pain and fever reliever according to directions on the label. This will alleviate the pain the infant is having from the ear infection and allow the infant to get some rest.

    • 6

      Visit a doctor if the ear infection doesn't clear within four to seven days. The doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat the ear infection. Ear infections can be resolved without antibiotic treatment, but if left untreated for too long, ear infections can lead to other issues such as ruptured eardrums or other infections.

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