How to Clean a Toddler's Ears

That goo in your toddler's ear is usually a good thing. Earwax protects the ear against dirt and debris, and your child probably makes just as much as she needs; excess usually works its way out on its own. Sometimes, though, earwax builds up to the point of causing discomfort or impairing hearing. In such cases, it needs to be removed, but by a pediatrician or ENT. Don't ever stick a cotton-tipped swab in your child's ear canal, as this risks puncturing her delicate eardrum and pushes wax down into the ear canal, contributing to impaction. If your child's doctor recommends home cleanings, there's one safe and effective way to do it.

Things You'll Need

  • Washcloths
  • Medicine dropper
  • Hydrogen peroxide and water or ear cleaning solution
  • Rubber bulb syringe

Instructions

    • 1

      Dampen a clean washcloth with warm water. Use it to gently wipe away visible wax around the opening of the ear canal, but don't go into the ear canal with it.

    • 2

      Lay your toddler on her side, with the ear you want to clean facing up. Turn on the TV or otherwise find a way to encourage her to cooperate.

    • 3

      Administer equal parts hydrogen peroxide and lukewarm water or a commercially available ear-cleaning solution into your child's ear canal, using a medicine dropper. Fill the ear canal, which usually takes between five and 10 drops. Squeeze the loaded dropper for a minute to warm the solution, as hot or cold liquid in the ear causes considerable discomfort.

    • 4

      Keep your child in place as well as you can for up to five minutes. Keep her company, and, if you have to, offer a small prize for cooperation. Then, let your toddler get up and allow the liquid to flow out of the ears naturally. Wipe it and any wax away with a damp washcloth.

    • 5

      Repeat this ear cleaning process daily for three to five days, or as recommended by your child's doctor. After the last application, irrigate your toddler's ear with room-temperature water in a rubber bulb syringe. Place the tip at the opening of your child's ear canal and squeeze forcefully. Wipe away the run-out and wax with a clean, damp washcloth.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • How to Make a Booster Seat for a Table
      You child is outgrowing the high chair and wants to sit at the table with you. Either you use some cushions to prop the child up, which can be dangerous, or you can get a booster seat to help the child sit up in the chair without having to peer up to
    • 3 Simple Ways To Remove A Splinter From Your Toddler’s Foot
      Toddlers love to jump around the house, and nothing can stop them. Not to forget, they love to run around barefoot. This increases the risk of them encountering a splinter, making you eventually wonder about how to remove a splinter from your toddler
    • Is it Safe to Paint a Toddlers Bedroom?
      Putting a fresh coat of paint on the walls of your toddlers room is a quick way to spruce things up and make the space more distinct for your child--but is it safe? With so many new types of paint available these days, it is challenging to determine