Cranky babies can’t tell you what hurts, which can make it hard to know how to treat a possible sickness. You know your baby: if you see more than one of these symptoms, your child might have an ear infection. Ear infections are very common in young children.  Call your provider to make an appointment and find out.

Symptoms

  • Tugging or pulling at the ear
  • Cold symptoms (green mucus from eyes or nose, nasal congestion)
  • Fussiness or crying
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Fever of 100.4°F or higher
  • Fluid draining from the ear
  • Trouble hearing

Ways to Avoid Ear Infections

If your baby gets ear infections, here are some things you can do to try to prevent them:

  • Don’t put baby to sleep in a crib with a bottle.
  • Try not to get water in baby’s ears when bathing. If you do get water in the ears, dry them completely.
  • If bottle feeding, hold baby’s head above the stomach level during feedings.
  • Don’t let anyone smoke near your baby.

If your baby still gets repeated ear infections, discuss other solutions with your provider.

Because most ear infections in infants do not require treatment in an emergency room, contact your health care provider or nurse call line prior to going. Of course, if it is a true emergency or life-threatening event call 911.