Here are 7 helpful and natural ear infection remedies for kids to bring relief to your little one. You will also find some of my best tips and tricks to help reduce the reoccurrence of ear infections every year along with common warning signs as well.

Please note that I am not a doctor and it is very important to see one if your child is running a very high fever or has other worrying symptoms. That being said, I use these remedies every year on my kids so I know they work.

What is an Ear Infection?

An ear infection occurs when there is a build-up of fluid in the middle ear, which causes inflammation and pain. Ear infections are more common in children than adults, and typically happen when the eustachian tube becomes swollen and inflamed due to a viral or bacterial infection.

Studies show that five out of six kids will experience at least one ear infection by the age of three. Some children experience recurrent, or chronic, ear infections and may eventually require surgical intervention to drain fluid from their middle ear.

Causes Of Ear Infections in Toddlers?

While ear infections can happen to anyone at any age, they tend to be more frequent in younger children because the tubes that connect the middle ear to the back of the throat – are shorter, more horizontal, and narrower than people.

This makes it easier for the eustachian tubes to get blocked, causing a build-up in fluid behind the ear drum, which in turn results in pressure and pain.

Ear infections tend to occur at the tail end of an illness like a cold or sinus infection, and can also be caused by seasonal allergies and acid reflux.

Enlarged adenoids can also interfere with the eustachian tube, causing ear infections to occur more frequently.

Symptoms of Ear Infections in Kids?

It’s hard to tell when kids have an ear infection especially when they are too young to express how they feel. That’s why you have to watch out for the warning signs which can be any or all of the following symptoms.

• Fussiness/crying
• Unexplained fever
• Decreased appetite
• Nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea
• Trouble sleeping
• Tugging at their ears
• Trouble hearing quiet sounds
• Clumsiness and other signs of poor balance
• Fluid draining from the ears

Make sure to get your child to a pediatrician to rule out a bacterial infection especially when there is a high fever before trying to cure them with home remedies. Try this cough remedy and this list of sore throat remedies.

7 Natural Ear Infection Remedies For Kids for Fast and Effective Relief!

Although most ear infections are viral and tend to go away on their own, it’s always important to check with your kid’s doctor before treating them at home with home remedies. That’s because, as I mentioned above, some ear infections may require drainage.

With that being said, if getting an appointment is taking too long, here are some remedies you can try to reduce your child’s pain and keep them comfortable.

1. Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

So this may not be considered a home remedy but it is the fastest way to reduce pain and discomfort caused by ear infections in kids. I usually go with ibuprofen such as Advil to reduce swelling in the ear, pain, and fever and it does an amazing job.

2. Try A Salt Sock

Another old home remedy for ear infections in kids that has been used for ages is a salt sock. To make one, fill a large cotton sock with 1 ½ cups of coarse sea salt, tie a knot to keep the salt in place, and warm it in a skillet.

Make sure it isn’t too hot to the touch, and then hold over the infected ear for immediate pain relief. You can repeat this several times throughout the day as well.

3. Try Some Warm Compresses

Similar to salt socks, warm compresses can help reduce pain and ear pressure. All you have to do is make a warm compress and put it over the affected ear for up to ten minutes a few times during the day. It helps.  

4. Hydrogen Peroxide

This one is my favorite because it works like a charm! Get 3% hydrogen peroxide and a dropper from your local drugstore. You won’t need a prescription.

Fill the dropper with enough hydrogen peroxide and fill his or her ear cavity while your child is lying sideways. Keep him or her in that position for about 5 minutes before allowing the liquid to drain from her ear.

Dry her ear with a cotton ball and repeat a few times a day for best results. Study shows that hydrogen peroxide helps reduce ear infections, and wax buildups and is usually safe to use in kid’s ears.

5. Essential Oils

Essential oils like lavender and Eucalyptus oil are great for relieving pain and inflammation but a word of caution: Never put them inside your child’s ear and always dilute them with carrier oils like coconut or olive oil before using them on the skin.

Simply mix 2 drops of lavender or Eucalyptus oil with 2 drops of coconut or olive oil and apply it on the skin in front and behind the ear lobe of the infected ear.

Note: If your child experiences redness, itching, or rash on the skin, wash the oil off right away, this usually signifies an allergic reaction.

6. Extra Pillows

Ear infections tend to be more painful while lying down, so if your little one is having problems sleeping, try propping their head up on an extra pillow. This helps by reducing pressure in the ear (which causes pain) and helps your child feel much better.

7. Increase Your Child’s Fluid Intake

Drinking, chewing, and swallowing can help open the eustachian tubes so definitely get them to do more of that when sick. Also, foods like yogurt and bananas are filled with probiotics and potassium which are both great for ear infections. A popsicle here and there won’t hurt too! 

How To Avoid Regular Ear Infections In Kids

If your kids or child experience regular ear infections, here are some things you can do to reduce reoccurrences at home.

Change your feeding style: If you are still bottle feeding, keep your child semi-upright to avoid fluids and germs from getting into their middle ear.

Get rid of the pacifier: Research shows that kids who use pacifiers are more prone to ear infections. That’s because pacifiers introduce more germs into their mouths and the sucking motion can force these germs into their middle ear, causing an infection. 

Avoid second-hand smoke: Studies have shown that second-hand smoke can cause regular ear infections in kids and increase its severity so avoid exposure as much as possible.

Avoid large daycares: Since many viral and bacterial infections can lead to an ear infection in kids, it may be best to opt for a nanny or a smaller daycare during cold and flu season.

Conclusion

I hope these ear infection remedies for kids help your little one get some relief as fast as possible and if you found this post helpful, please share it with your friends or save it for later. Until next time, stay awesome mamas!