Your baby has a cold, then suddenly becomes very unsettled at night, pulls at one ear and refuses feeds. Ear infections are one of the most common reasons babies see the doctor, because their ear tubes are short and easily blocked. Knowing the signs of ear infections in babies helps you comfort your baby and know when they need to be checked.
Quick answer: ear infections in babies
- Common after colds, especially between 6 months and 2 years.
- Signs: ear pulling, crying when lying down, fever, poor sleep, fluid from the ear.
- Many clear up on their own within 2 to 3 days.
- See a doctor for babies under 6 months, high fever, fluid from the ear or symptoms lasting more than 2 to 3 days.
Why babies get ear infections
- short, level ear tubes that let fluid collect behind the eardrum
- frequent colds
- exposure to cigarette smoke
- bottle feeding while lying flat
- nursery or childcare, where colds spread more easily
Signs to watch for
- pulling, rubbing or tugging at an ear
- irritability and crying, especially when lying down
- fever
- poor feeding or sleep
- fluid or pus coming from the ear
- not responding to quiet sounds
Caring for your baby at home
- Give pain relief: paracetamol (acetaminophen), or ibuprofen from 6 months, at the right dose. See acetaminophen vs ibuprofen.
- Offer frequent feeds, feeding upright.
- Wipe away any discharge from the outer ear; do not put anything inside.
- Do not use ear drops unless prescribed.
Do babies need antibiotics?
Many ear infections are caused by viruses and get better on their own. Your doctor may suggest waiting 2 to 3 days, or prescribe antibiotics for babies under 6 months, those with infection in both ears, discharge or severe symptoms.
Preventing ear infections
- keep your home smoke-free
- feed upright, never with a propped bottle
- keep up with vaccinations, including pneumococcal and flu
- breastfeeding may lower the risk
See safe baby cold remedies and hearing development in babies.
When to talk to your doctor
- any ear symptoms in a baby under 6 months
- fever of 39°C or higher, or fever in a baby under 3 months
- fluid, pus or blood from the ear
- swelling or redness behind the ear, or the ear sticks out: seek urgent help
- symptoms lasting more than 2 to 3 days, or frequent infections
- concerns about hearing
Frequently asked questions
Does ear pulling always mean an infection?
No. Babies also pull their ears when tired or teething. Look for fever, crying and other symptoms too.
Can my baby swim with an ear infection?
Wait until your baby is well, and ask your doctor if the eardrum has burst.
Can ear infections affect hearing?
Fluid can muffle hearing for a few weeks. Ask for a hearing check if it lasts longer.
Sources
- NHS: Ear infections
- American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org: Ear Infection Information
- NICE: Otitis media (acute): antimicrobial prescribing
This guide is general information, not medical advice. If you think your baby has an ear infection, talk to your doctor.