Your baby's earwax helps prevent dirt, bacteria and other irritants from getting into his ear canal. In general, there's no need to remove earwax. However, when excess wax accumulates, it can build up into a blockage that causes impaired hearing, discomfort, earaches and headaches. The safest, most effective way to get wax out of your baby's ear is simply to let his pediatrician remove it with a curette or a flush. If your baby has continuing problems with earwax accumulation, though, it's more practical to take preventative measures against blockages and to periodically remove the earwax yourself.
Step 1
Wipe away any earwax on the exterior of your baby's ear with a dampened washcloth or piece of gauze. Never stick anything into your baby's ear, not even a cotton-tipped swab. This pushes wax down and contributes to blockages, and can cause damage inside your child's ear. It is particularly dangerous with babies, who are likely to make sudden jerking movements with their heads.
Step 2
Apply a drop or two of baby or mineral oil to your baby's ear canal with a medicine dropper, provided your pediatrician recommends it. Apply the oil three nights in a row before your baby goes to sleep as a means of softening and eliminating earwax blockages. Do so once a week as a preventative measure if your baby has chronic problems with excess earwax.
Step 3
Consult your pediatrician about using over-the-counter ear drops to dissolve your baby's earwax. When using, follow the doctor's instructions, as well as all package directions and warnings. Warm the solution before applying it by rubbing the bottle back and forth in your hands for a minute or two.
Step 4
Mix 1/2 tsp. hydrogen peroxide with 1/2 tsp. lukewarm water as an alternative to commercial ear drops if your pediatrician gives the OK. Turn your baby on his side so that the affected ear faces up and place a towel under his head. Use a medicine dropper to apply five drops of the solution into his ear. Hold your baby still as long as possible, then turn him onto his back, letting the solution drain out.
Step 5
Repeat the application of ear drops or watered-down hydrogen peroxide for three to five days, or as recommended by your pediatrician.
Things You'll Need
- Washcloth or gauze
- Baby or mineral oil
- Medicine dropper
- 1/2 tsp. hydrogen peroxide
- 1/2 tsp. lukewarm water
- Towel
