How to Clean an Infant's Ear With Mineral Oil

Infants can get ear wax buildup just like adults. Ear wax is a natural substance that is needed to protect the inner ear, but too much wax can block water drainage and cause infections or ear aches. Mineral oil is a safe, natural substance that can break down ear wax in the infant's ear canal. In addition to mineral oil, flushing the ear with water will remove the broken down ear wax. Parents or guardians should consult a doctor before putting any liquid in their child's ear because a damaged ear drum could be further injured.

Things You'll Need

• Mineral oil
• Eyedropper
• Rubber bulb syringe
• Thin, soft towel

Instructions

1. Visit the infant's doctor to determine that the ear drum is healthy. Talk to the doctor about plans to remove ear wax from the child's ear.

2. Lay the infant on his side with one ear facing the ceiling. Some children may not mind the process, but it may be less stressful for some infants to be asleep. If the child is a light sleeper, wait until he is awake. If he's a heavy sleeper, go ahead and clean his ears while he is sleeping.

3. Hold the bottle of mineral oil to warm it up with body heat. Depending on the size of the bottle, it will take two to five minutes.

4. Use an eyedropper to deposit a drop of mineral oil into the infant's ear canal. If no eyedropper is available, dip a finger in the oil and let one drop drip from the tip of your finger into the child's ear. Gently massage the outside of the ear. Let it sit in the ear for no more than one minute.

5. Flip the child over so the treated ear is facing the floor. Cover the ear with a towel to absorb any oil that drains out. Let the ear drain for three to five minutes.

6. Turn the infant back over so the treated ear is facing the ceiling. Use the corner of a thin, soft towel to wipe around the outer ear where oil has drained out.

7. Repeat the mineral oil treatment on the child's other ear if necessary.

8. In the next one or two days, after the mineral oil has had the chance to soften the ear wax, use a rubber bulb syringe to rinse out any broken-down ear wax. It is best to do this during bath time. Fill the syringe with warm water and squirt it gently into the child's ear. Tilt the infant's head and rub the outer ear to make sure all the water runs out.

9. Dry the outside of the child's ear with the corner of a thin, soft towel.

Tips & Warnings

• Repeat the cleaning process several times if wax buildup is extreme.

• Do not use cotton swabs or fingers to clean out an infant's ear.

References

• Wise Geek
• Wellsphere
• Mayo Clinic