How can I prevent my 11-month-old baby from getting an ear infection?

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How can I prevent my 11-month-old baby from getting an ear infection?

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Ear infections are common in older babies, especially those in a child care setting.

Prevent ear infections by warding off colds with frequent hand washing. And yes, a baby this young can learn to wash hands (with plenty of help from you!).
Look for signs like tugging at the ear, fever, congestion, crankiness, and difficulty sleeping.
If your baby is diagnosed with an ear infection, your doctor will likely prescribe an antibiotic and may ask you to return in 2 weeks to check that the infection has resolved.
Frequent ear infections may damage hearing, so your doctor may refer you to an ear, nose, and throat specialist and discuss ear tubes if the situation becomes chronic.

This answer should not be considered medical advice...This answer should not be considered medical advice and should not take the place of a doctor’s visit. Please see the bottom of the page for more information or visit our Terms and Conditions.

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