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How to Treat Ear Infections in Toddlers

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) say that ear infections, also called otitis media, are the most common illnesses in babies and children. Symptoms of an ear infection in toddlers may include an increase in crying, tugging at or pulling on ears, ear drainage and trouble sleeping. Most ear infections clear up on their own and require little more than palliative measures.

Things You'll Need

  • Over-the-counter medication
  • Warm compress
  • Warm oil
  • Books or games
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Instructions

  1. Treating a Toddler's Ear Infection

    • 1

      Give your toddler an over-the-counter pain reliever. Acetaminophen helps to relieve pain and reduce fever, and ibuprofen helps with pain, fever and inflammation. The Mayo Clinic suggests giving the child prescription ear drops with an anesthetic that numbs the ear to further treat pain from infection. Warm the drops slightly before placing in the child's ears. Lay the child on a flat surface with the infected ear facing upward.

    • 2

      Place a warm compress over the ear to alleviate pain. The warmth and moisture will feel soothing. Pediatrician Dr. William Sears also suggests placing a drop of warm, not hot, olive, vegetable, or garlic oil in the ears as a soothing measure. Test the temperature on your own arm first.

    • 3

      Let the child get some sleep. A child with an ear infection will feel better faster when allowed to rest more than usual. Offer additional fluids to help the infection clear faster and prevent dehydration from a fever.

    • 4

      Play with your toddler. The Mayo Clinic suggests distracting an awake but irritable child with activities like reading aloud and age-appropriate games.

    • 5

      Visit a doctor if you suspect your toddler has an ear infection that doesn't clear up within 72 hours. The American Academy of Family Physicians suggests waiting for three days before seeing a doctor as long as the child is over 6 months old, is otherwise healthy, and has only mild symptoms. The CDC says that while most ear infections do not require antibiotics, your doctor can tell you if medication is necessary. If ear infections are recurrent, surgery to place tubes in the ears may be necessary.

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