Cleaning a baby’s ears is mostly about gently wiping the outside and never putting anything inside the ear canal.

Quick Scoop

  • Use a warm, damp washcloth or cotton ball to wipe only the outer ear and behind the ear during bath time.
  • Never use cotton swabs, earbuds, hairpins, or your finger inside the ear canal; they can push wax deeper or injure the eardrum.
  • Earwax is normal and protective; see a pediatrician if there is a lot of buildup, bad smell, pain, or you suspect infection.

Safe step‑by‑step cleaning

  • Wash your hands and get a soft washcloth or cotton ball plus a small bowl of warm (not hot) water.
  • Dip, wring out very well so it doesn’t drip, and gently wipe behind the ears and the outer folds of the ear.
  • Use a dry corner of the cloth or a soft towel to pat the outer ear dry after the bath so moisture doesn’t sit in the ear.
  • Stop if your baby seems uncomfortable or you notice redness, discharge, or a foul smell, and call your pediatrician.

What you should avoid

  • Avoid inserting cotton swabs, twisted tissue, or ear‑cleaning tools into the ear canal, even “baby” versions.
  • Avoid using soap, shampoo, or undiluted hydrogen peroxide directly in a baby’s ears unless a doctor clearly tells you to.
  • Avoid home “flushing,” candles, or online remedies for wax removal; babies’ ears are delicate and should be treated by professionals if blocked.

When to call the doctor

  • If you see persistent yellow/green discharge, blood, strong odor, or your baby is pulling at the ear and seems in pain.
  • If your baby often doesn’t respond to sounds, startles less than expected, or you suspect hearing difficulty.
  • If wax is visibly blocking the canal or keeps returning and you feel tempted to “dig it out”; a pediatrician or ENT can remove it safely.

Extra tips and “earwax myths”

  • Earwax actually protects the ear canal by trapping dust and has natural antibacterial properties, so a little is a good thing.
  • Making ear‑cleaning part of a calm, regular bath routine helps you notice changes early without over‑cleaning.
  • Some parents online share tricks that work for their older kids, but for infants you should always default to your pediatrician’s advice first.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.