Baby Pulling or Tugging at Ears
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician
Content reviewed against published AAP, AAP, NIH guidelines
Last reviewed:
Your baby's physical development is unique, and concerns about baby pulling or tugging at ears, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
Baby ear pulling is one of the most common concerns parents bring up, but it is rarely a sign of an ear infection on its own. Babies discover their ears around 4-6 months and often pull, rub, or tug at them out of curiosity, self-soothing, teething discomfort, or tiredness. Ear pulling is concerning for infection mainly when accompanied by fever, fussiness, disrupted sleep, or cold symptoms. Without other symptoms, ear pulling is almost always harmless exploration.
Key takeaways
- Baby ear pulling is one of the most common concerns parents bring up, but it is rarely a sign of an ear infection on its own. Babies discover their ears around 4-6 months and often pull, rub, or tug at them out of curiosity, self-soothing, teething discomfort, or tiredness. Ear pulling is concerning for infection mainly when accompanied by fever, fussiness, disrupted sleep, or cold symptoms. Without other symptoms, ear pulling is almost always harmless exploration.
- Usually normal when: Ear pulling without any other symptoms like fever, fussiness, or cold
- Call your doctor if: Ear pulling with fever over 102F (38.9C) and significant irritability
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, NIH guidelines, baby ear pulling is one of the most common concerns parents bring up, but it is rarely a sign of an ear infection on its own. Babies discover their ears around 4-6 months and often pull, rub, or tug at them out of curiosity, self-soothing, teething discomfort, or tiredness. Ear pulling is concerning for infection mainly when accompanied by fever, fussiness, disrupted sleep, or cold symptoms. Without other symptoms, ear pulling is almost always harmless exploration. At 0-4 months, very young babies may bat at or rub their ears as they discover their body parts. This is a normal part of sensory exploration. Ear infections are less common at this age because maternal antibodies offer some protection and babies are less exposed to cold viruses. If a young baby pulls at ears with fever or extreme fussiness, evaluation is warranted. It is generally considered normal when ear pulling without any other symptoms like fever, fussiness, or cold. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if ear pulling with fever over 102F (38.9C) and significant irritability.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
0-4 months
Very young babies may bat at or rub their ears as they discover their body parts. This is a normal part of sensory exploration. Ear infections are less common at this age because maternal antibodies offer some protection and babies are less exposed to cold viruses. If a young baby pulls at ears with fever or extreme fussiness, evaluation is warranted.
4-12 months
This is the peak age for both ear discovery and the start of teething, which commonly causes referred discomfort near the ears and jaw. Babies may rub or pull their ears when tired, as a self-soothing behavior, or when teething. They also get more ear infections at this age as daycare exposure and cold frequency increase. The key differentiator is accompanying symptoms: ear pulling alone without fever, fussiness, cold symptoms, or sleep disruption is very unlikely to be an ear infection.
1-3 years
Toddlers may pull at their ears when they have wax buildup, water in the ear after bathing or swimming, allergies, or genuinely have an ear infection. They may also do it as a habit or comfort behavior. By this age, toddlers can often point to or tell you about ear pain. Ear infections at this age are commonly preceded by a cold with congestion lasting several days.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed baby pulling or tugging at ears and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if ear pulling is accompanied by a cold, congestion, and fussiness.
- Mention if your baby is pulling at one specific ear persistently and seems uncomfortable.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Ear pulling without any other symptoms like fever, fussiness, or cold
- Pulling at ears during teething while also drooling and chewing
- Rubbing ears when tired or sleepy as a self-soothing habit
- Exploring ears with curiosity during bath time or quiet moments
- Pulling at both ears equally (infection usually affects one ear)
- Ear pulling is accompanied by a cold, congestion, and fussiness
- Your baby is pulling at one specific ear persistently and seems uncomfortable
- Ear pulling disrupts sleep when it previously did not
- You notice fluid or drainage from the ear
- Ear pulling with fever over 102F (38.9C) and significant irritability
- Pus or blood draining from the ear canal
- Your baby is inconsolable and pulling at their ear after a cold
- Your baby seems to not be hearing well or is not responding to sounds from one side
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice baby pulling or tugging at ears — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that ear pulling without any other symptoms like fever, fussiness, or cold — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 0-4 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Provide plenty of supervised floor time and tummy time to support your baby's physical development.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if ear pulling with fever over 102F (38.9C) and significant irritability.
Related Conditions
Baby Ear Infections (Otitis Media)
Ear infections are one of the most common childhood illnesses, and most children will have at least one by age 3. They are caused by fluid buildup behind the eardrum, often following a cold. While uncomfortable, most ear infections are not dangerous and many resolve on their own, though some need antibiotics.
Excessive Ear Wax in Baby
Ear wax (cerumen) is normal and protective - it traps dust and germs and keeps the ear canal moisturized. Babies naturally produce ear wax, and the amount varies from child to child. You should never put cotton swabs, fingers, or anything else into your baby's ear canal. Ear wax normally works its way out on its own. Simply wipe away any visible wax on the outer ear with a damp cloth during bath time.
Signs of Hearing Loss in Babies
Most babies are screened for hearing loss at birth, but some hearing problems develop later or are missed. Early signs include not startling to loud sounds, not turning toward voices by 6 months, or not babbling by 9 months. Catching hearing loss early is critical for language development.
Ear Infection vs. Teething - How to Tell the Difference
Ear pulling is one of the most commonly confused symptoms in babies - it can indicate either teething or an ear infection, and telling the difference can be tricky. Teething causes referred pain to the ear area (especially when molars are coming in), leading babies to pull or rub their ears. An ear infection typically follows a cold and is associated with fever, disrupted sleep, and increased fussiness. The key differences: teething ear pulling is usually without fever and is accompanied by drooling and gum swelling, while ear infections typically cause fever, follow a cold, and may cause more intense pain when lying down.
Related Resources
Milestone Checklists by Age
Track your baby's developmental milestones from birth to 5 years with age-specific checklists.
Fever Decision Tree
Step-by-step guidance for evaluating your baby's fever by age and temperature.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is baby pulling or tugging at ears normal?
When should I call the doctor about baby pulling or tugging at ears?
When is baby pulling or tugging at ears normal?
What causes baby pulling or tugging at ears?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about baby pulling or tugging at ears?
Is baby pulling or tugging at ears normal at 0-4 months?
Is baby pulling or tugging at ears normal at 4-12 months?
Should I go to the ER for baby pulling or tugging at ears?
Does baby pulling or tugging at ears go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Baby Pulling or Tugging at Ears.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed baby pulling or tugging at ears and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if ear pulling is accompanied by a cold, congestion, and fussiness.
- Mention if your baby is pulling at one specific ear persistently and seems uncomfortable.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Ear pulling is accompanied by a cold, congestion, and fussiness
- Your baby is pulling at one specific ear persistently and seems uncomfortable
- Ear pulling disrupts sleep when it previously did not
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Ear pulling with fever over 102F (38.9C) and significant irritability
- Pus or blood draining from the ear canal
- Your baby is inconsolable and pulling at their ear after a cold
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of baby pulling or tugging at ears are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if ear pulling with fever over 102f (38.9c) and significant irritability.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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Related Physical Concerns
Baby Ear Infections (Otitis Media)
Ear infections are one of the most common childhood illnesses, and most children will have at least one by age 3. They are caused by fluid buildup behind the eardrum, often following a cold. While uncomfortable, most ear infections are not dangerous and many resolve on their own, though some need antibiotics.
Excessive Ear Wax in Baby
Ear wax (cerumen) is normal and protective - it traps dust and germs and keeps the ear canal moisturized. Babies naturally produce ear wax, and the amount varies from child to child. You should never put cotton swabs, fingers, or anything else into your baby's ear canal. Ear wax normally works its way out on its own. Simply wipe away any visible wax on the outer ear with a damp cloth during bath time.
Signs of Hearing Loss in Babies
Most babies are screened for hearing loss at birth, but some hearing problems develop later or are missed. Early signs include not startling to loud sounds, not turning toward voices by 6 months, or not babbling by 9 months. Catching hearing loss early is critical for language development.
Ear Infection vs. Teething - How to Tell the Difference
Ear pulling is one of the most commonly confused symptoms in babies - it can indicate either teething or an ear infection, and telling the difference can be tricky. Teething causes referred pain to the ear area (especially when molars are coming in), leading babies to pull or rub their ears. An ear infection typically follows a cold and is associated with fever, disrupted sleep, and increased fussiness. The key differences: teething ear pulling is usually without fever and is accompanied by drooling and gum swelling, while ear infections typically cause fever, follow a cold, and may cause more intense pain when lying down.
Should I Use Adjusted Age for My Preemie's Milestones?
Yes — for premature babies, developmental milestones should be assessed using adjusted (corrected) age, not chronological age, until at least 2 years of age. Adjusted age is calculated by subtracting the number of weeks your baby was born early from their actual age. For example, a 6-month-old born 2 months early would have an adjusted age of 4 months, and should be assessed against 4-month milestones. Most pediatricians use adjusted age for developmental assessment through age 2-3, and for growth charts through age 2.
Baby-Proofing a Small Apartment
Baby-proofing a small apartment is absolutely possible and focuses on the same key safety principles as any home: securing furniture to walls, covering outlets, locking cabinets with hazardous materials, and ensuring safe sleep spaces. Small spaces actually have an advantage - there is less area to monitor. Focus on eliminating the most dangerous hazards first: falls, poisoning, choking, and burns.