#asktheexperts how to clean babies ear and nose

A. Cleaning your baby’s ears and nose should always be done gently and carefully, as these areas are delicate. Here’s how to do it safely for your little one: 👂 How to Clean Baby’s Ears (Outside Only) Do not put anything inside the ear canal, not even cotton buds (Q-tips). ✅ Safe Method: Use a soft, damp cloth or cotton ball. Gently wipe the outer ear and behind the ears during bath time. If you see wax at the opening, you can wipe it gently—don’t try to remove deep wax. 🧠 Earwax is natural and protects the ear canal. It usually works its way out on its own. 🚫 Never Do: Don't use earbuds, pins, or fingers to dig inside the ear. Don’t try to remove visible wax deep inside. 👃 How to Clean Baby’s Nose Babies often get blocked noses due to mucus or dryness. Here's how to clean it: 1. For Dry Boogers (Hard Mucus): Use a soft cotton cloth or cotton bud (only outside the nostril) to gently wipe it. You can apply a drop of saline nasal spray (available over the counter) to soften it. 2. For a Stuffy/Blocked Nose: Use saline nasal drops or spray – 1–2 drops per nostril, 2–3 times a day. After 1–2 minutes, use a nasal aspirator (bulb syringe) to gently suck out the mucus. Or let baby sneeze it out naturally after saline use. 🧼 Always clean the nasal aspirator with warm soapy water after each use. ⚠️ When to Call the Doctor: Baby seems to have trouble breathing. Yellow/green thick mucus that lasts more than a few days. Baby pulls at ears or seems in pain. Ear discharge or foul smell.