8 Effective Home Remedies to Treat Baby Ear Infection

Babies are very tender and also sensitive to their surroundings, and thus, they are vulnerable to diseases and infections around them more easily. An ear infection is one such infection that is common in kids and is generally known to follow a cold or other ENT issues (1).

The primary cause of ear infections is a virus or bacteria. Ears make fluid all the time; this fluid builds up behind the eardrum and gets infected. It starts accumulating there, making a life form of bacteria. Such bacteria lead to inflammation of the middle area of the ear. Rest assured, there are plenty of home remedies for baby ear infections that are effective and cost-friendly. But before we get to the remedies, let’s find out what else causes ear infections in babies other than bacteria.

There are many other causes of ear infections in babies, such as:

• Horizontal angled placement of the Eustachian tube, as it is still in the development phase (2)
• Different kinds of food allergies
• Gut infections
• A wrongly aligned head or neck portion

8 Best Natural Remedies for Infant Ear Infection

Below are some natural ear infection remedies for babies that you can do within the comfort of your home.

1. Garlic/Mullein Drops

Garlic is found to be very effective in killing bacteria than antibiotics, and when garlic is accompanied with mullein, it forms the best baby ear pain home remedy. Garlic is known for its immunity providing capabilities and mullein for its ability to ease the pain. You can keep this in the gauze piece or cloth and keep it near the ear for 2 – 3 minutes or until the pain is gone. But you should be careful does not go inside the ear canal.

2. Fluids

Fluids also help in treating ear infections in babies (3). If your baby is still in the breastfeeding stage, consider feeding him more often than usual, as antibodies present in breast milk can prevent your baby from an ear infection.

3. Hot Compress

There’s one more natural ear infection remedy for your baby that is super cost-friendly. Hot compresses on the outer portion of the ear can help relieve ear pain due to an ear infection (3). A hot water bottle, a heating pack, or even a cloth dipped in hot water can be gently applied to your infant’s ear to make the pain go away. However, one should be careful regarding the temperature of the water or the pack before applying it, as babies have sensitive skin.

4. Massage

Massage is another easy and convenient baby ear infection treatment home remedy to ensure normal circulation and fluid drainage from a baby’s ears. Gently massage your baby’s external ear area or their neck in the downward direction and give inward pressure from the back of the area towards the front area of their cheek. Repeat massaging at least twice a day using essential oils such as rosemary, lavender, tea tree or even the eucalyptus oil.

5. Echinacea and Goldenseal

Echinacea and goldenseal are two herbs that greatly help in preventing and fighting ear infections. 2ml of the mixture of these herbs is recommended for children, at least 3 times a day, for treating ear infections and building immunity.

6. Chamomile Oil to Wash the Infected Ear

Chamomile oil is a good option for treating ear infection in babies. Put 2-3 drops of chamomile oil into the ear using a dropper and let it settle for about 5-10 minutes. After that, tilt the child’s head and let the oil drain out. However, this oil should be used with caution as it may aggravate the ear infection.

7. Onions and Garlic

Onions have antibacterial properties and are also said to provide pain relief and even promotes circulation. Chop the onion and microwave it to make it hot and soft. Once the onion is hot, wrap it in a cloth and place it gently on the child’s ear for 10-15 minutes. Repeat the process if the pain doesn’t seem to go away.

8. Elevating the Head

Elevating the baby’s head while he is lying down or sleeping ensures proper sinus drainage. Place one or two pillows under the mattress so your baby can sleep comfortably (4).

When to Consult a Doctor?

Home remedies can help treat mild ear infections in babies, but it is essential that you keep a watch out for any severe symptoms that require medical treatment. Consult your doctor if your baby:

1. Has a fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
2. Experiences nausea or vomiting
3. Has pus discharge or bleeding in the ears
4. Is in extreme pain for a long time.
5. Has diarrhoea
6. Has difficulty hearing for more than 2 days

FAQs

1. What are the symptoms of ear infections in babies?

Babies can’t properly communicate it is the earache they are troubling with, so they usually pull or tug at their ear. But that’s is not the only indicator. American Academy of Paediatrician and Johns Hopkins Medicine state some common signs to check for ear infection in babies (2) (5):

• Ear pain
• Ear drainage
• Fever
• Trouble hearing
• Headache
• Irritatability or crying

2. Why are babies and kids more prone to catching ear infections than adults?

There are two reasons (2):

1. Babies and kids’ immunity is in te developing stage, therefore, they contract infections easily.
2. The eustachian tube that connects the middle ear to the back of the throat is shorter and more horizontal in babies and children than an adult’s, making it a difficult for the fluid to drain out of the ear, which can lead to fluid buildup and bacterial growth.

3. How can I prevent ear infection in my baby?

National Insttitude on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders recommends some practices that can be undertaken, including (6):

• Washing hands frequently so that germ or bacterial exposure is limited
• Avoiding putting babies to sleep with a bottle
• Vaccinating against the influenza or flu
• Limiting or restricting exposure with your child with other sick children

The listed home remedies for ear infection in babies will help you fight the infection and provide relief to a great extent. In case the problem continues, consider consulting a doctor for further medical assistance.

References/Resources:

1. Pediatric Otitis Media (Middle Ear Infection); Children’s National; https://www.childrensnational.org/get-care/health-library/otitis-media-middle-ear-infection

2. Ear Infections in Children: Information for Parents; American Pediatric Association; https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/ear-nose-throat/Pages/Ear-Infection-Information.aspx

3. The Power of Home Remedies: Effective Solutions for Ear Infections in Kids; Penn Medicine becker ENT & Allergy; https://www.beckerentandallergy.com/blog/home-remedies-ear-infections-kids

4. Home Remedies for an Ear Infection: What To Try and What To Avoid; Cleveland Clinic; https://health.clevelandclinic.org/home-remedies-for-ear-infection

5. Ear Infections in Babies and Toddlers; Johns Hopkins Medicine; https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/ear-infections-in-babies-and-toddlers

6. Ear Infections in Children; National Institute on Deadfness and Other Communication Disorders; https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/ear-infections-children#10

Also Read:

Eye Infection in Infants
Bacterial Infection in Babies
Worm Infection in Infants and Kids
How to Clean Baby Ears – Useful Home Remedies

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