Baby's Ear Cleaning
Index
Do Babies’ Ears Need to be Cleaned?
When Should Babies Ears Be Cleaned?
How to Clean Babies’ Ears?
Use of Ear Drops in Babies
What are the Causes of Earwax Accumulation in Babies?
Is Earwax Dangerous?
When to Get Help
When Can an Ear Infection Be Suspected?
Points to Consider and Safety Tips for Cleaning Babies’ Ears
How Should Ear Cleaning Be Taken After Ear Piercing for Earrings in Babies?
Just like adults, babies, including newborns, may have watery eyes, mucus in their noses, and earwax in their ears. Keeping babies’ head, face, eyes, nose and ears clean is very important for their health because babies’ skin is more sensitive and fragile than adults. Being prone to irritations and infections is also an important reason for cleaning. Since newborns are very sensitive and their communication skills are not yet developed, it can be even more difficult to understand whether they have been harmed by cleaning. Although ear cleaning may seem difficult for parents, especially when it comes to first children, baby and newborn ear cleaning and ear wax removal are not things to be afraid of when paying attention to sensitive points and safety tips.
Do Babies’ Ears Need to be Cleaned?
It is important to clean and keep babies’ ears clean. It is also an important step to prevent future problems. The cleaning of the outer ear and its surroundings can also be provided while the babies are bathed. A cloth or a piece of cotton and warm water will be sufficient for ear cleaning in babies. Cotton swabs are not safe and not recommended for newborns and infants. Earwax is healthy for babies as it acts as an antibacterial, protective barrier and lubricant. Removing earwax and trying to clean it can lead to potential dangers and open the ear and the whole body to infections.
When Should Babies Ears Be Cleaned?
The best time to clean babies’ ears, eyes, and nose is just before they take a bath. Newborn babies don’t need a bath every day. Washing them 2 or 3 times a week is sufficient. For this reason, it is sufficient to do ear cleaning 2-3 times a week.
How to Clean Babies’ Ears?
Baby ear cleaning will be very easy when babies are given a bath. A suitable environment can be provided for the baby by preparing water that is sure not to be hotter than 37 to 38°C. A soft towel or cotton pad is moistened with warm water, and the back of the baby’s ears and the outside of each ear are gently wiped. Soap on the towel is not needed and is generally not recommended. It should be ensured that the soft towel or cloth used is well wrung and that water is not dripped into the baby’s ear. The ear cleaning process is repeated for both ears and the material used for cleaning is washed, rinsed and dried before moving to the other ear. Cloth, cotton or the soft towel used should never be inserted into the baby’s ear. This can damage the baby’s ear canal and irritate their skin. It should be noted that the purpose of cleaning babies’ ears is not to remove earwax.
Use of Ear Drops in Babies
If babies have been prescribed ear drops or if earwax buildup needs to be avoided, lay the baby on its side with the affected ear facing up, and pull the ear slightly down and back to open the canal. Drops are dripped into the baby’s ear as recommended by the doctor. The baby is kept in a lying position for 10 minutes, so that the drops remain in the baby’s ear. Then it is ensured that the drops are completely rolled into the ear. Remaining drops are allowed to flow out and cleaned with a clean tissue. Ear drops should be used under the supervision of a doctor. The ear drops prescribed by the doctor should be used as often as necessary, again as recommended by the doctor.
What are the Causes of Earwax Accumulation in Babies?
Earwax formation in babies is not uncommon. Generally, the ear canal produces the required amount of earwax when it is needed. However, in some cases, excessive accumulation of earwax can cause fussiness, pain and hearing problems in babies. Babies may show discomfort in their ears by pulling their ears or crying.
Is Earwax Dangerous?
Earwax, also known as cerumen, is produced in the ear canal and is not dangerous. It often has a sticky and yellowish appearance. Earwax contains dead skin cells and accumulates, dries up, and is excreted out of the body, just like in adults. Earwax has many important functions. Protecting the eardrum and ear canal, keeping the inside of the ear dry and preventing microbes from causing infection are some of the important functions. In addition to these duties, earwax prevents dirt, dust and other particles from entering the ear and causing ear irritation and injury.
When to Get Help
If it is suspected that the baby’s ear is blocked, if the baby is thought to have a hearing problem due to a blocked ear canal, or if a yellow-green discharge is seen in the baby’s ear, it is necessary to consult a doctor and get help. Earwax that causes discomfort, pain or hearing loss in the baby is cleaned with the intervention of a doctor. In cases where the doctor deems it appropriate, in case of stubborn or large earwax, earwax can also be removed by scraping by the doctor. If signs of ear infection are noticed, antibiotic ear drops may be prescribed for treatment. If bleeding occurs after inserting a cotton swab or an object into the ear canal, it would be right to consult a doctor immediately. If the baby has a pale appearance, and if there is an imbalance in walking and movements, help should be sought.
When Can an Ear Infection Be Suspected?
Babies and newborns are at higher risk for infections than adults, as their ear canals are narrow and provide an environment for bacteria to easily adhere to. In some cases that indicate an infection, the parent should be alert and consult a doctor for the right intervention. Infection can be suspected if the baby is constantly holding his ear, especially if he is fussy and unable to sleep before it’s time to go to sleep, and has a fever. The presence of discharge from the ear and the inability to respond to low-pitched warnings can also be important indicators.
Points to Consider and Safety Tips for Cleaning Babies’ Ears
Cotton buds should never be used to clean the eardrums of babies. When a cotton swab is inserted into the ear canal, most of the earwax is pushed deeper into the ear. Fingers should not be put into babies’ ears either. This is just as dangerous as cotton swabs and can damage the eardrum. Since it is even larger than a cotton swab, it can cause irritation to the fingers and nails. The little pinky finger can also do great harm. In addition, bacteria can accumulate under the nails, and getting these bacteria into the ear canal can cause infections. Earwax is usually not dangerous and does not cause any problems. Ear drops are among the methods that should be avoided unless the doctor prescribes them. In their uncontrolled use, they can cause bigger problems by affecting the ear canal and eardrum. It’s always best to be under the care of a pediatrician to make sure babies’ ears are cleaned properly.
How Should Ear Cleaning Be Taken After Ear Piercing for Earrings in Babies?
It is important to clean the ear and earlobe before ear piercing in babies. Ear piercing should be done in clean and hygienic environments, taking care to ensure that the instruments used are also clean. After the piercing, touching the ear without cleaning should be avoided. Hands should be washed with plenty of soap and the front and back of the piercer should be cleaned with a cotton swab and alcohol. Earrings should also be cleaned with cotton swab and alcohol. During the recovery period, babies should be kept away from swimming pools and puddles.