The National Institutes of Health explain that ear infections are one of the most common reasons parents take their child to the doctor. Different parts of the ear can become infected, but they all are caused by fluid building up inside the ear passages instead of draining out as they should. Home treatment often replaces antibiotics as the first line of curing an ear infection in an infant, according to pediatrician Dr. Alan Greene.
Warmth
As indicated by the National Institutes of Health, an infant's ear infection will often clear up on its own but things can be done to relieve the baby's pain. Warmth can be especially soothing for ear pain. This can be applied by getting a wash cloth wet with hot water, letting it cool to a safe temperature for a few seconds and then placing it over the baby's ear. A warm water bottle can also be applied in this manner.
Pain Drops
An over-the-counter pain relieving ear drop product can be purchased and used for infant ear infections. It is important to discuss with a doctor what type of drops to buy and how often to use them in an infant.
Oil Drops
More natural oil drop remedies include olive oil and eucalyptus oil, suggests the National Institutes of Health. These herbal remedies should only be used in an infant under the advice of a medical professional. To apply them, warm the drops safely by inserting the bottle into a glass of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes. The caregiver should check the temperature of the drops before administering to the infant. Ear drops should not be used on an infant with a suspected or confirmed rupture of the ear drum. The National Institutes of Health points out that when this occurs, the ear is likely to ooze clear liquid, pus or blood.
