Cleaning a baby’s ears: the right way to do it

From diaper changes to daily hygiene, cleanliness plays an important role in your baby’s life. It is even essential for their well-being. How do you clean your baby’s ears? How often? Can you use a cotton swab?

Cleaning a baby’s ears: the complete guide.

Why clean a baby’s ears?

Earwax (this slightly waxy substance found in the external ear canal) is a natural protective mechanism. Earwax protects the inner ear by pushing out impurities, but if too much accumulates, it can form a blockage, affecting your baby’s hearing and causing itching or pain. This is why you can monitor the condition of your baby’s ears while removing any earwax that may extend only on the outer ear.

How often should you clean a baby’s ears?

The ear has its own internal cleaning system (earwax), so it is only necessary to clean the outer parts (what we call the external ear): but how often?

Daily: simply wipe your baby’s external ear with a dry or slightly damp cotton pad. This helps remove visible impurities and prevent wax buildup without disturbing the eardrum.

Good to know: if you notice a visible buildup of earwax or if your baby experiences frequent itching, a more targeted intervention may be needed. In that case, we advise against doing it yourself and encourage you to consult your pediatrician or doctor first. Your baby’s ears are still fragile.

Want to learn more? Feel free to download the May app, where you’ll find plenty of resources to support and guide you throughout your journey as a new parent.

How do I clean my baby’s ears?

Cleaning your baby’s ears is normally part of your daily routine: but how should you do it?

The right method

To properly clean your baby’s ears, there are only two key points to know:

• Focus only on the outer ear: do not attempt to clean inside the ear canal, as this could damage the eardrum or push the earwax deeper.
• Use a dry cotton pad: with this cotton pad, gently wipe the outer ear. This is usually enough to remove impurities. Choose a clean, lint-free cotton pad or cloth. You can also make sure to thoroughly dry behind the ears after the bath by gently patting with a towel, as moisture often accumulates in that area.

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Should you use specific products?

As we’ve just seen, a dry cotton pad or cloth is more than enough to clean your baby’s ears. Specific products (like ear sprays) are generally discouraged in infants because they may damage their eardrum.

Can you use a cotton swab?

Cotton swabs are strongly discouraged for cleaning your baby’s ears because their use can lead to complications.

• They can push earwax deeper into the ear canal, creating a blockage.
• There is a risk of perforating the eardrum or injuring the inner ear if the cotton swab is inserted too deeply.

It is therefore best to stick to a dry cotton pad and—most importantly—never insert anything into your baby’s ear canal.

What are the signs of an ear infection? When should you consult?

Despite your care, your baby may develop an infection in the ear area, such as an ear infection. Rest assured, this is a fairly common and generally mild condition when treated properly. If you notice one or more of the following signs, consult your doctor:

• Pain or discomfort: if your baby seems restless, cries more than usual, or frequently touches their ears, this may indicate pain. Ear infections, for example, often cause intense pain.
• Fever: a high temperature accompanied by crying or irritability may also be a sign of an ear infection.
• Discharge: yellow or purulent discharge from the ear may indicate an outer ear infection or a perforated eardrum. These secretions are sometimes accompanied by an unpleasant odor. Urgent consultation is needed.
• Hearing difficulties: if your child does not react to sounds or seems to have trouble hearing, this may be due to an earwax blockage or a serous otitis, which affects hearing because of fluid behind the eardrum.
• Itching or redness: irritation or redness around the outer ear may indicate an infection or an allergic reaction.
• Unusual behavior: a sudden change in your baby’s behavior, such as excessive sleepiness or irritability, may also indicate an infection.

In any case, if you are worried about your baby’s health or notice an unusual symptom or sudden change in behavior, don’t hesitate to consult quickly.

Cleaning your baby’s ears is therefore an essential part of their daily hygiene routine. For this, you only need a clean cloth or cotton pad, without products or cotton swabs to avoid damaging their eardrums. And as always, if you have doubts or concerns, consult your healthcare provider or one of our pediatric nurses on the app’s chat.