Water trapped in a baby’s outer ear canal after bathing or swimming is common and can cause discomfort. While rarely a medical emergency, parents often seek quick relief. The goal is to safely encourage the water to drain from the external ear canal using gentle, non-invasive techniques. Knowing the correct actions to take, and those to avoid, helps resolve the issue and prevents minor irritation from escalating.
Step-by-Step Water Removal Methods
The most effective and safest methods for removing water rely on gravity. Start by positioning the baby so the affected ear is facing downward, allowing the water to drain naturally from the external ear canal. If the baby is lying down, place them on their side with the waterlogged ear toward a towel for a few minutes.
If holding the baby upright, gently tilt their head toward your shoulder, with the wet ear pointing down. While the head is tilted, gently tug the earlobe in different directions. This helps straighten the ear canal and facilitates the water’s exit.
Another method involves gently creating a slight vacuum to dislodge the water. Carefully press the heel of your hand against the baby’s ear, then quickly release it. This slight suction can help break the surface tension holding the water inside. Finally, only dry the outer ear folds and crevices using a soft towel or cloth, ensuring nothing is inserted into the ear opening itself.
Important Actions to Avoid
Certain common practices intended to remove water can cause significant harm to a baby’s delicate ear structures. Never insert cotton swabs, also known as Q-tips, into the ear canal to try and absorb or push the water out. These objects frequently push earwax and trapped water deeper into the ear, potentially leading to impaction or injury to the eardrum.
Refrain from using any liquid drops, such as alcohol-based drying solutions or hydrogen peroxide, unless specifically recommended by a pediatrician. If the baby has an unknown tear or puncture in the eardrum, these unapproved drops can travel into the middle ear and cause severe irritation or damage. Aggressive movements, such as shaking the baby’s head or forceful tapping on the ear, are ineffective for draining water and potentially dangerous for infants.
Simple Prevention Tips
Reducing the chance of water becoming trapped begins with careful technique during bathing. Instead of pouring water directly over the baby’s head, use a soft washcloth to clean the face and hair. This allows for controlled moisture and minimizes the amount of water flow near the ear opening.
For older babies who are swimming, consider using specialized infant earplugs or a snug-fitting swim headband designed to cover the ears. These barriers prevent large amounts of water from entering the external canal during water play. Immediately after any water exposure, gently pat the outer ear dry with a clean, soft towel to remove surface moisture.
Signs That Require a Doctor Visit
While most trapped water issues resolve quickly, parents should monitor for signs that suggest the problem has progressed to an infection, known as otitis externa or swimmer’s ear. Seek professional medical help if the feeling of fullness or trapped water persists for longer than 24 to 48 hours.
Immediate consultation is necessary if the baby develops symptoms of infection, such as a fever, redness or swelling of the outer ear, or any foul-smelling discharge. Excessive crying, unusual irritability, or pulling at the ear when touched can indicate pain, especially if the pain worsens when the outer earlobe is wiggled or pressed. These symptoms signal that the moist environment has allowed bacteria or fungi to grow and requires medical treatment.