Yes, babies do touch their ears, and it's a common behavior, especially in younger children.
While it can be concerning for parents, ear touching or pulling is often harmless, particularly if the baby isn't showing other signs of distress like fever or excessive crying.
Why Babies Touch Their Ears:
There are several reasons why a baby might touch their ears:
- Self-Soothing: Ear pulling or rubbing can be a way for babies to comfort themselves, similar to sucking their thumb or stroking their hair.
- Exploration: Babies explore the world through touch, and their ears are simply another body part to investigate. They're learning about their bodies and how they work.
- Teething: Pain from teething can sometimes radiate to the ear area, leading babies to touch or pull their ears in an attempt to relieve the discomfort.
- Tiredness: Similar to eye-rubbing, ear-pulling can be a sign that a baby is tired.
- Ear Infection (Less Common): While often benign, ear pulling accompanied by fever, fussiness, crying, or drainage from the ear could indicate an ear infection. In these cases, consulting a doctor is essential.
When to Be Concerned:
Generally, simple ear pulling or touching without any other symptoms is not cause for alarm. However, it's important to monitor the baby for other signs that might suggest a problem. Consult a doctor if you observe:
- Fever
- Excessive crying or fussiness
- Drainage from the ear
- Difficulty sleeping or feeding
- Loss of balance
- Irritability
In conclusion, babies touching their ears is usually a normal behavior related to self-soothing, exploration, teething, or tiredness. However, if accompanied by other symptoms, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional to rule out an ear infection or other medical condition.
