How to clean your baby’s ears?

If you’re used to using very thin cotton swabs to clean your ears, what about cleaning your baby’s ears? It’s important not to overdo hygiene in this part of the body for children. Why? The ear is covered with a fine layer of hair that pushes earwax out of the ear canal. Only the outer edge of the ear should be cleaned with a baby cotton swab, which has a safety tip.

Washing ears during bath time

Parents sometimes hesitate to immerse their child’s head in water. However, the ears can stay underwater for several minutes. For comfort, it’s best to avoid a strong jet of water in the ear, as it creates a resonance in the ear canal.

It’s important not to use adult tools, such as ear candles or ear cleaning vacuums. Doctors often recommend medical sprays sold in pharmacies, which dilute earwax in case of heavy buildup.

Why not use the same cotton swabs as adults? These are too thin and can push earwax deeper into the ear canal, causing a blockage. Instead of removing the earwax, it gets compacted. Moreover, adult cotton swabs can cause inflammation of the eardrum if inserted too far.

Choose specific cotton swabs for babies

With a thicker tip, this type of cotton swab provides greater safety for parents. It cannot be inserted further than the edge of the external ear canal, ensuring only superficial cleaning.

Babies often dislike having their ears cleaned, even the outer ear. Proper hygiene is important to check for cradle cap behind the ear, in the fold. This area is often dry and can be moisturized with a little neutral vegetable oil or an oleo-limestone liniment. If the back of the ear oozes or even bleeds due to irritation, it’s best to apply a healing cream.

Also read:

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Newborn essentials: must-haves for baby hygiene
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