How to Administer Ear Drops to a Child

Children's ears are especially prone to infection because the eustachian tubes are either not long enough or are not positioned properly to allow drainage of fluid. Ear infections cause intense pain that over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen might not be able to alleviate. To ease your child's suffering, your pediatrician or family doctor might prescribe analgesic ear drops to help reduce the pain. Alternatively, he or she might recommend an over-the-counter ear drop.

Instructions

• 1

  Wash hands thoroughly in warm, soapy water.

• 2

  Warm the ear drops by holding the container in your hands until it reaches room temperature.

• 3

  Shake the ear drops. This step is only necessary if the ear drops are a suspension. Check the label.

• 4

  Position the child on his or her side, with the painful ear facing up. Older children will be able to stay in this position by themselves. For younger children, you might need to recruit some help. Have the helper lie down on his or her back and cradle the child in his / her arms, with the painful ear facing up.

• 5

  Gently pull the ear lobe so that you have access to the ear canal. If your child has swimmer's ear, not a middle ear infection, omit this step because pulling on the ear will cause even more pain and discomfort.

• 6

  Apply the proper number of drops. This number will be clearly indicated on the packaging. As you apply the drops, do not allow the dropper to touch the ear.

• 7

  Keep your child in this same position for at least five minutes to allow the drops to reach the ear drum.

• 8

  Wash your hands thoroughly with warm, soapy water.