Baby Ear Infection: Signs, Treatment & When to Worry | Parenting Hub
Ear infections often follow a cold. How to spot the signs in a baby who can't tell you, what to do at home, and when antibiotics are needed.
Ear infections are common in babies and toddlers, especially after colds. Most settle on their own — but pain relief, careful watching and a GP review are important.
What's happening
An ear infection (otitis media) is fluid and infection behind the eardrum, in the middle ear. It often follows a cold because babies' eustachian tubes are short, narrow and horizontal, making it easy for bacteria or viruses to travel from the nose to the ear.
Signs in a baby who can't speak
You're looking at the full picture, not just one symptom.
- Pulling, rubbing or hitting at one ear
- Crying that worsens when lying down
- Fever and irritability after a cold
- Difficulty feeding (sucking changes pressure)
- Poor sleep, especially in the second half of the night
- Discharge from the ear (the eardrum may have burst — usually relieves pain and heals)
What helps at home
Pain relief and comfort come first.
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen (over 3 months) for pain, as directed
- Hold baby upright for feeds; some prefer sitting up to lying down
- Warm (not hot) compress against the ear can soothe
- Saline nose drops can ease congestion and pressure
- Plenty of fluids and rest
Do antibiotics help?
Most ear infections improve on their own within 2–3 days. Australian guidance recommends watchful waiting with pain relief for 48 hours in many children. Antibiotics are usually prescribed for: babies under 6 months, severe symptoms, both ears affected, illness lasting more than 48 hours, or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children (higher risk of complications).
When to see a doctor
See your GP if you suspect an ear infection — even if you plan to wait it out, they need to assess and guide the plan.
When to seek urgent care
Stiff neck, severe headache, swelling or redness behind the ear, drowsiness, persistent vomiting, or fever in a baby under 3 months needs same-day medical assessment.
When to seek help
- Swelling or redness behind the ear
- Stiff neck or severe headache
- Persistent vomiting
- Floppy or unresponsive baby
- Fever in a baby under 3 months
Common questions
Can babies get ear infections from teething?
Not directly. Teething and ear pain can overlap and feel similar. If in doubt, see a GP.
Will my baby need grommets?
Only if ear infections are very frequent or fluid persists for months and affects hearing. Most children never need them.