Because up to 80% of kids will get an ear infection before they are three years old, you need to be aware of treatments and preventions. Under three years of age are more susceptible, as baby's immune system is not fully developed.

Doctors now are instructed not to just give out antibiotics for anything that appears to be an er infection. Pediatricians now say to allow the body's immune system a chance to fight the infection. Most er infections will go away on their own within a week. Some ear infections are caused by a virus anyway, and can't be cured with antibiotics. You need to make the decision to see a doctor or not, but waiting to see if it gets better may be the way of choice. Most kids have fewer symptoms after 24 hours. If your child is healthy, other than the ear infection, and has a fever lower than 102 F, you may wish to wait. Your doctor may be needed to give something for the pain like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Always contact your doctor of symptoms get worse or do not go away. Doctors do not just give away antibiotics anymore. Because of overprescribing, there are drug resistant bacterial infections now. Don't be surprised if your doctor says to just let it run its course.

How can you tell if your child has an ear infection? You know your baby better than anyone. You know when your baby is acting up normally, or being fussier and irritated more than usual. This may be a sign. Tugging at the ear may be a symptom too, but remember that teething can also cause these symptoms. Use your motherly instincts to know when your child is sick and not just having one of those days.

If your child has repeated ear infections, the fluid may not drain. This can cause hearing and speech problems. If your child has 3 to 4 ear infections a year, you should see an ENT specialist. They can find out if fluid in the ear is not draining and do procedures to correct it.

So, how can you help to prevent ear infections? One, breastfeed for at least the first six months.

Over and over again, breastfeeding has shown to be very good in helping to ward off infections. Breastfeed! Breastfed babies have fewer of these infections. That is the best thing you can do.

Keep your baby away from people who smoke. Cigarette smoke can increase the risk of ear infections.

Know who and where your child is watched or babysat away from home. You do not want your baby around a bunch of other kids. Your baby cannot get ear infections from other babies, but other problems they can get may contribute to ear infections.

Watch what goes into your babies mouth, especially pacifiers. If you give a pacifier 1 to 2 times a day, like at sleep time, you limit the amount of bacteria you introduce into your child's mouth. Find out ways to properly and safely sterilize them.

If you bottle feed, do it more often in an upright position. This even goes for bottle fed breast milk. Milk has a greater chance to pool in the baby's mouth with a chance to flow into the middle ear. This increases ear infection risks.

If you so decide, there is a vaccine called pneummococcal conjugate vaccine that has been shown to decrease ear infections. Discuss this with your doctor.

Medical Dislaimer: This Website provides users with general baby care and breastfeeding information only to assist mothers and babies. We are not giving medical advice or diagnosis. Nothing contained on this Website should be construed as medical advice or diagnosis. You are urged and advised to seek the advice of a physician before doing any baby care or breastfeeding.

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