As a new parent, you might find yourself wishing that babies came with instruction manuals. There are just so many questions at every turn, about everything from sleep habits to grooming essentials. You might wonder, for example, how to clean a baby’s ears. Luckily, the steps are quite simple. Below, experts explain how to get the job done.

In this article:
What is earwax?
How to clean a baby’s ears
How to clean baby ears using a washcloth
Should you use ear drops to clean baby ears?

What is Earwax?

If you want to learn how to clean baby ears, you might also be wondering what to do if baby has a lot of earwax. Earwax, also called cerumen, is a substance produced by skin glands in the ear canal, explains Loretta Cody, MD, a Connecticut-based pediatrician. It’s what keeps the ear canal clean and prevents the skin inside the ear from getting too dry. “It traps dirt, dust and bacteria, which protects the ear canal,” Cody says.

In short, earwax is necessary—that’s why you generally don’t need to clean out baby’s earwax.

How to Clean a Baby’s Ears

The first rule to follow when cleaning baby’s ears: Don’t overdo it. “The ears are self-cleaning, so you really don't need to clean the insides of a baby's ears at all,” says Whitney Casares, MD, MPH, FAAP, a Portland, Oregon-based pediatrician and the founder of Modern Mommy Doc. “In fact, you risk damaging the eardrum and the sensitive lining of the ear canal when you attempt to clean those areas. I recommend only cleaning the parts of the ear that you can see and leaving the rest alone!”

If your pediatrician needs to clean excess ear wax in order to see the eardrum more clearly—for example, if they're concerned about an ear infection—they'll use a special procedure in the clinic, says Casares.

Cody agrees, adding that you should never put anything in baby’s ear canal: “Don’t use a Q-tip or finger to try to remove wax.” Again, for the most part earwax isn’t a problem.

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How to Clean Baby Ears Using a Washcloth

Using a washcloth is the most common and effective way to clean baby’s outer ears. There are a few important steps to follow, according to the experts.

First, dip the washcloth in warm water. Don’t use soap.
Wring out the washcloth so there’s no dripping water.
Wipe gently around baby’s ear. Do not put the washcloth in baby’s ear canal, cautions Cody. Take care not to introduce excess water into the ear canal.
Pat the skin with a dry washcloth after you're done cleaning, advises Casares.

Should You Use Ear Drops to Clean Baby Ears?

Casares advises against using ear drops to clean baby ears unless your pediatrician specifically recommends it after an examination.

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If you do need to use ear drops, she advises holding the top, outer portion of the ear (aka the helix) gently away from baby's face and squeezing the dropper bottle so that one to three drops enter the ear canal. “You can use a cotton ball to soak up any extra moisture that might otherwise leak onto baby's clothes,” she adds.

Cleaning baby’s ears is a pretty straightforward task, and—just like with changing diapers—you’re likely to be a pro in no time. Now, if only getting baby to sleep were so easy.

Plus, more from The Bump:

How to Put Together a Baby Grooming Kit

How to Build a Baby First-Aid Kit

The 9 Best Baby Nail Clippers for Stress-Free Nail Care

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