How to Use a Rubber Bulb Syringe for a Baby's Ears

Since it is not advisable to use cotton swabs to clean a baby's ears, you can make use of a bulb syringe to irrigate the ears instead. This is a small rubber "bulb" that is often used to suction babies' noses. When used for the ears, many parents call it an ear syringe; it is easy to use, although the baby may find the procedure to be a bit uncomfortable at first.

Things You'll Need

• Rubber bulb syringe
• Washcloth or small towel

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Instructions

• 1

  Fill the bulb syringe with lukewarm water by squeezing the air out of it then sucking up some tap water.

• 2

  Position your child so that he is laying with his head sideways, the affected ear facing upward.

• 3

  Aim the ear syringe into the baby's ear canal but do not insert it. Slowly squeeze the water into the child's ear. You may see some bubbles rise to the surface; this is normal.

• 4

  Allow the water to sit for a moment and then turn the baby over to allow the water to run out onto a washcloth or towel. You may need to gently wipe the outer surface of the ear or canal to remove any bits of wax or debris that have come out.

• 5

  Repeat if necessary. If there is an obstruction, however, it is better to take the baby to the doctor for further inspection.