How to Help an Infant Sleep With Ear Infections

in #blog5 years ago

Ear infections are capable of turning a contented, peacefully sleeping baby into a writhing, sobbing, ear-tugging mess. These painful infections often develop or worsen when your baby is sleeping because the horizontal position infants typically lie in while resting allows mucus to collect and plug the Eustachian tubes, which causes pressure in the middle ear and results in earaches. The key to helping your infant sleep with an ear infection is to minimize the pain caused by the swollen eardrum. Whenever possible, talk to your pediatrician before attempting self-care measures at home, especially in infants under the age of 2 months.

THINGS YOU'LL NEED

  • Olive oil
  • Eye dropper
  • Oral pain medication
  • Washcloth
  • Books or pillow

source

Step 1

Instill warm olive oil directly into the infant's affected ear canal. Heat the oil to body-temperature and place several drops of the warmed liquid directly in the ear canal of the painful ear with an eye dropper. Tug gently on the earlobe to encourage the oil to travel as far back into the ear canal as possible. The heat from the oil helps minimize the pain and inflammation when it comes in contact with the swollen, throbbing eardrum.

Step 2

Administer non-aspirin oral pain medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Check the bottle to verify exact dosage based on your child's age and weight before giving the medication. Repeat additional doses as needed for pain, giving acetaminophen every four to six hours or ibuprofen every six to eight hours.

Step 3

Apply a cool compress to the affected ear while you wait for the warm oil and oral analgesic to take effect. Dampen a washcloth in cool water and wring it out. Fold the washcloth into fourths and place it on the outer portion of the pain-afflicted ear for up to 20 minutes, recommends MedlinePlus. Feed the infant a bit of formula or nurse him for a few minutes to distract and calm him.

Step 4

Put books or an extra pillow under the top portion of your infant's crib mattress to elevate it, which sometimes help minimize ear pain by allowing fluids to drain from the middle ear and nasal passages. Lay the baby in the bed once she has calmed down and seems to be sleepy, being careful not to turn her head so that it rests on the earache-affected ear. Sing or hum softly to her to help relax her even further and ease her into sleep.

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