How to Clean a Baby's Ears
Cleaning your baby's ears is simple and crucial for maintaining hygiene. Earwax usually exits the ear naturally, but you can gently clean the outer ear to remove visible dirt or grime.
- Damp Cloth: Use a soft, damp (not soaking wet) washcloth to gently wipe the outer ear. Warm water is sufficient; avoid using soap. [Multiple sources, including Pampers, The Bump, and Raising Children Network, recommend this method.](https://www.pampers.com/en-us/baby/newborn/article/how-to-clean-baby-ears-eyes-nose, https://www.thebump.com/a/how-to-clean-baby-ears, https://raisingchildren.net.au/babies/health-daily-care/hygiene-keeping-clean/cleaning-eyes-nose-ears)
- Cotton Wool (Optional): Some sources suggest using cotton wool instead of a washcloth, but the method remains the same: gently wipe the outer ear area. [NHS and Pregnancy Birth and Baby websites mention this option.](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/caring-for-a-newborn/washing-and-bathing-your-baby/, https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/cleaning-your-babys-ears-eyes-and-nose)
- Timing: Cleaning during bath time is convenient, as the warm water softens any dried secretions.
What to Avoid
- Cotton Swabs: Never insert cotton swabs or any other objects into your baby's ear canal. This can push earwax further in, damage the eardrum, or cause infection. [This warning is consistently emphasized across all cited sources.](https://www.toplinemd.com/worldwide-pediatrics/cleaning-your-babys-ears/, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/caring-for-a-newborn/washing-and-bathing-your-baby/, https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/cleaning-your-babys-ears-eyes-and-nose)
- Earwax Removal Remedies: Avoid using any over-the-counter remedies or home concoctions to remove earwax. Natural removal is usually sufficient. Topline MD and other sources advise against this.
Focus on the Outer Ear
Remember, you only need to clean the visible outer part of the ear. The ear canal self-cleans. Excessive cleaning can be harmful.
