10 Proven Home Remedies for Ear Infection of Babies

Babies are very tender and also sensitive to their surroundings and thus, they are vulnerable to diseases and infections around, more easily. If your baby is fussy, cries more than usual, and tugs at their ear, they may have an ear infection.

What causes an ear infection?

An ear infection is a viral or bacterial infection in the middle ear. It usually begins with a cold or allergies, which can cause the Eustachian tubes that it is a passage between the middle ear and upper throat—to get blocked. Hence fluid build-up in the areas just behind the eardrum, and the pressure from the inflammation is what causes all that pain. Although your child might have frequent ear infections, antibiotics may not have to be the first line of defense.

1. Garlic and Mullein Oil

Crush some garlic and warm it with extra virgin olive oil Let it cool to just about body temperature and then put a few drops in your baby’s ear. Leave it in for 15-20 seconds and then tilt your baby’s head to let the liquid drain out. Repeat three times daily.

2. Baking Soda Rinse

Rinsing your child’s ear with baking soda can treat a prevalent ear infection. Mix a few drops of baking soda in water and spray the liquid on the ear’s surface with the help of a syringe. After rinsing it with baking soda, put some drops of essential oil into the ear such as garlic or lavender oil.

3. Vitamin D

Vitamin D  is known for its ability to boost immune health, and research has specifically shown how it can help when it comes to ear infections. The risk of chronic otitis media with effusion can be decreased by increasing serum levels of vitamin D through increased sun exposure, higher dietary intake of vitamin D as well as vitamin D supplementation.

4. Hydrogen Peroxide

This is a great antibacterial and is relatively mild at 3% potency, which is the potency usually found in stores (container label should read “3% potency”). Place a few drops of hydrogen peroxide in baby’s ear canal with dropper. It will cause bubbling (which is a good sign, as the tissues get oxygenated and disinfected), and it may sting just a bit.

5. Glycerine

Using glycerine to remove earwax is a popular remedy as well, since its lubricating and moisturizing nature helps loosen hardened wax.

 6. Essential Oils

This earache and ear infection remedy can be used for adults and children alike. Lemon oil has analgesic properties and the ability to alleviate pain. Lavender oil, on the other hand, possesses antibacterial and antifungal properties. It will cure the ear infection, thus also providing relief from the ear pain. Massaging the oils behind the ear helps open up the lymphatic system to drain the ear of infection.

7. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is a multifaceted essential oil that exhibits antimicrobial properties against a wide variety of bacteria, fungi, and even viruses. Along with the olive oil, it will also soothe any inflammation or irritation that may be present.

8. Steam

If you can’t keep a hot pack on your little one’s sore ear, try plugging in a humidifier or taking a warm shower. (This works for adults, too.) Colds and sore throats lead to swelling and inflammation in the airways. Colds and sore throats lead to swelling and inflammation in the airways. Opening and relaxing airways with warm, moist air can relieve pressure and ease ear pain.

9. Apple Cider Vinegar

If a child’s ear infection is due to a fungus, you can use this. Dilute apple cider vinegar with water. Take as much water as vinegar and mix well. Dip a cotton ball into this solution and put it into your child’s ear for five minutes. Take it out and make your child lie sideways to drain the liquid out of the ear.

10. Breast milk

A natural remedy to treat an ear infection in infants and even adults is to put breast milk in the ear canal because of the antibodies found in milk. Three to four drops of breast milk into the baby’s ear will suffice, and the drops should be administered at the entrance of the ear canal, not directly into it.

When to Visit the doctor

Parents wonder how often to clean baby ears. Visit your paediatrician when there is an excessive build-up of earwax and you are unable to remove the wax with these remedies. Also, if there are symptoms of infection such as drainage of milky fluid, ear pain, fever, or even hearing loss after removal of wax, visit your doctor immediately.