Preventing Ear Infections
Unfortunately, you can’t prevent all ear infections. However, there are steps you can take to reduce your and your child’s risk:
- Adjust bottle feedings. Babies who drink from a bottle while lying down are more prone to ear infections, so try to bottle feed your child while they are sitting upright.
- Wash hands often. Wash your and your child’s hands with soap and water often to prevent the spread of germs that can cause ear infections.
- Breastfeed. Babies who are breastfed for at least one year have fewer infections.
- Wean from pacifiers. After one year old, children who still use pacifiers are at an increased risk for ear infections.
- Avoid polluted air. Get plenty of fresh air and avoid pollution and cigarette smoke.
- Immunize. Get your child immunized according to your Miami ENT's recommended schedule.