Cleaning newborn ears: what to do and what to avoid
How to clean newborn ears safely: outer ear, folds, no cotton buds in the canal and signs to tell the pediatrician.
Newborn ears should be cleaned only on the outside. Earwax in the canal has a protective role and should not be removed with cotton buds or tools.
This guide complements first bath, the newborn daily care checklist and when to call the pediatrician.
How to clean
Use cotton or a soft cloth dampened with warm water. Wipe:
- behind the ear;
- in the outer folds;
- on the outer ear;
- around the neck if there is milk or sweat.
Pat dry. Moisture in folds can irritate the skin.
What is normal
Some earwax is normal. Small crusts behind the ear can also appear if milk and sweat remain in the folds.
When to call
Contact the pediatrician if you notice:
- bad-smelling discharge;
- blood;
- marked swelling or redness;
- fever;
- crying when the ear is touched;
- a very irritable or unwell baby.
Key takeaway
Cleaning ears means cleaning outside, not inside. Warm water, soft cloth, gentle drying and no tools in the canal.
Useful links
Sources and further reading
- Bathing your baby - NHS inform
- Caring for baby - Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Washing and bathing your baby - NHS
- Child growth standards - World Health Organization
- Fever and Your Baby - HealthyChildren.org - American Academy of Pediatrics
Sources are used to support general informational content and do not replace advice from a pediatrician or healthcare professional.
