How to Prevent Ear Infections in Babies

Ear infections are one of the most common (and unpleasant) illnesses that affect children under the age of two. A baby with an ear infection can be inconsolably fussy. This usually seems worse at night, when they are laid flat to sleep. Although some children are naturally prone to more ear infections, there are ways to lower the odds for your baby.

An ear infection occurs when fluid gathers in the middle ear. This is usually caused by a cold or allergies. The Eustachian tube that leads from the middle ear to the back of the throat becomes blocked by the swelling involved with the cold/allergy symptoms. Because young children have shorter Eustachian tubes than adults, they are more likely to have an infection develop.

Virtually all children will develop at least one ear infection before the age of two (when the Eustachian tubes have grown longer). Many parents have become experts on the telltale symptoms, as the last experience was grueling for everyone in the household. If your baby becomes cranky while lying down, begins tugging on his ear, and has developed a fever, the chances are good that his ears are the culprit.

Instead of merely stocking up on the amoxicillin and crossing your fingers, take steps to prevent your child from getting an ear infection. One of the best ways to prevent his chances is by breastfeeding. Breast milk is specially designed for your child's needs and it contains many antibodies that fight infections. Also, make sure no one smokes around your baby. Tobacco smoke is linked with increased infections. Lying the baby down at night with his bottle is a good way to get an ear infection as well as severe tooth decay.

There are ways of intercepting your child's infection, although they aren't foolproof. An infant is much more likely to develop an ear infection than a person over two years old, but it doesn't have to be a common occurrence. Should your child exhibit signs of an ear infection, or if he is experiencing recurring infections, it is good to seek the help of a pediatric ear, nose, and throat doctor.