Earwax that accumulates can make the baby feel uncomfortable. But before cleaning it, you need know first how to clean baby's ears withcorrect. Because, if you do haphazard, can injure the baby's ears.
Earwax or cerumen This is a normal thing to form and has several benefits for your little one's ears. This earwax serves to protect the ears from exposure to dust, and keep the ears dry and free from infection.
However, if the amount is excessive, earwax can accumulate, causing hearing loss in your little one or making his ears feel clogged and uncomfortable.
When to Clean Baby's Ears?
Earwax does have an important function in maintaining the health of the baby's ears. However, it is undeniable that earwax can also cause problems if it has accumulated too much and hardens in the ear canal.
Some of the problems that can arise due to the buildup of earwax are:
- Hearing impaired
- Smelly ears
- There is a buzzing sensation in the ear
- Ears feel sore or itchy
You should suspect that your little one is experiencing symptoms of earwax buildup if he tugs at his ears frequently, shakes his head, or becomes more fussy. If your little one shows these signs, you should immediately take him to the doctor.
How to Clean Baby's Ears
To clean baby's ears, avoid using cotton buds or your finger. Use cotton buds or fingers to clean the ear can actually push the wax into the ear and potentially damage the baby's eardrum.
To clean baby's ears safely and properly, follow these two ways:
Using a washcloth and warm water
Use a washcloth to clean your baby's ears every day. Cleaning the ear using a washcloth is a method that doctors often recommend because it is considered the safest. However, this method only applies to the outer ear.
To do this, first wet a clean washcloth with warm water. Then, squeeze the washcloth until enough water is wasted. After the washcloth is wet, gently wipe the outside of the baby's ear with the washcloth.
Avoid using a washcloth that is too wet to clean your baby's ears, as this can cause water to enter their ears.
Using drops
In addition to a washcloth and warm water, cleaning the baby's ears can also be done with ear drops. However, the use of these ear drops should not be arbitrary. You need to consult with your doctor first to determine the type and dose of drops that are suitable for your little one's condition.
If your doctor does recommend or prescribes ear drops, here's how to use them to clean your baby's ears:
- Lay the baby on his side, with the ear to be cleaned facing up.
- Drop the drug 5 times (or as recommended by the doctor) into the baby's ear.
- Hold the baby's position for up to 5-10 minutes so that the medicine is completely entered into the ear.
- After 10 minutes, turn the baby over with the ear that has been given the drops facing down.
If the above methods don't work to keep your little one's ears clean, consult an ear, nose, throat (ENT) doctor further. The doctor may prescribe other ear drops, or perform ear cleaning procedures, such as earwax suction.
