How to Prevent Ear Infections in Babies

When an infant cries and pulls his ears, parents often suspect an ear infection. Babies with infections are also restless and may run a fever. Ear infections in babies are not fun for anyone, but new medical research suggests there are some precautions parents can take to help their infant beat the odds. Read on to learn how to prevent ear infections in babies.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Breastfeed your baby for the first six months of his life. Babies swallow more air when bottle fed and doctors think this contributes to ear infections in infants. If you do bottle feed, hold your baby at an angle rather than allowing him to lie flat when he drinks.

2. Avoid exposing your baby to second-hand smoke. Tobacco smoke has been shown to increase the number of ear infections in infants. Question your daycare provider about smoking habits before registering your baby.

3. Practice good general hygiene. Germs pass from person to person on contact. Teach young children to wash their hands before playing with the baby; parents should wash their own hands frequently. Bacterial wipes, specifically designed for a baby's sensitive skin, are located in the infant section of your local grocery store. Use these often to clean your baby's hands.

4. Vaccinate to prevent ear infections in babies. Ask your doctor about the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine known as PCV7. Medical studies have shown the vaccine may prevent recurrent ear infections.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult a doctor if your baby shows signs of an ear infection for longer than a couple of days, or if his symptoms are severe.

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