This article is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. If in doubt, contact your paediatrician or midwife.
Baby Ear Pain & Ear Infection
Ear pain is one of the most common reasons for paediatrician visits. The most frequent cause is a middle ear infection (otitis media). Babies between 6 and 24 months are especially vulnerable because their Eustachian tube is still short and horizontal.
Possible Causes
- 1Middle ear infection (otitis media) — most common cause, often following a cold
- 2Teething: Referred pain to the jaw area can feel like ear pain
- 3Cold or flu with swelling of the Eustachian tube
- 4Water in the ear after bathing
- 5Foreign body in the ear canal (in older babies/toddlers)
What You Can Do
- Pain relief: paracetamol (from 3 months) or ibuprofen (from 6 months) dosed by weight
- Warm compress or cherry pit pillow on the ear — relieves pain
- Elevate upper body slightly when sleeping — promotes drainage
- Offer plenty of fluids — swallowing helps equalise pressure
- NO ear drops without medical advice — the eardrum may be damaged
When to See a Doctor
- Fever above 39°C (102.2°F) together with ear pain
- Pus or fluid leaking from the ear (eardrum rupture possible)
- Baby is under 6 months with suspected ear infection
- Hearing concerns — baby doesn't respond to sounds
- Swelling or redness behind the ear (mastoiditis → EMERGENCY)
- Ear pain after head injury or fall
Age-Specific Notes
6-24 months: Highest risk for middle ear infections. The Eustachian tube is still short and horizontal, allowing germs to travel easily from the throat. As babies grow, the tube becomes longer and steeper — infections become less common. Breastfed babies have a lower risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Does an ear infection always need antibiotics?
Can I prevent ear infections?
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This article is for general information only. It does not replace individual medical advice. If you have concerns, contact your paediatrician, midwife, or call emergency services.