Patient information from BMJ

How to help your child avoid ear infections

Last published:Jun 28, 2024

Ear infections (both inner and outer) are very common, especially in children. ​Taking certain steps might lower your child’s chances of developing them. Here are a few things you can try:

• Don't smoke near your child, and make sure others don't either. This is because cigarette smoke can irritate the tube between your child's throat and ear.

• Ensure your child washes their hands frequently, particularly before eating. 

• If you can breastfeed your newborn baby, ideally you should exclusively breastfeed for the first 6 months (i.e., feeding with breast milk only). Breastfeeding your baby lowers their chance of ear infections in the years to come. 

• If you bottle-feed your baby, ensure they're feeding in an upright position. Babies who drink from a bottle lying down seem to get ear infections more often. 

• Ensure your child’s vaccinations are up to date. 

• Avoid giving your child a dummy beyond 6 months.

• If your child swims, make sure they're using ear plugs or wearing a swimming cap to cover their ears.

• Ensure any skin conditions (for example, eczema) affecting the ear are being treated.

• Don't use anything (i.e., cotton wool buds or fingers) to clean the inside of your child's ears.

• Avoid getting water or shampoo/conditioner in your child's ears during showers or baths.

You can see our other patient information on ear infections for more background: Middle ear infection, Outer ear infection, and Ear infections in children: questions to ask your doctor.