Baby Put Something in Their Ear
The short answer
Toddlers sometimes insert small objects into their ear canals - beads, small food, crayon tips, small toy parts, and occasionally insects fly or crawl in. Unlike nasal foreign bodies, ear foreign bodies should almost always be removed by a medical professional because the ear canal is narrow and the eardrum can be easily damaged. Do not try to remove objects with tweezers, cotton swabs, or your fingers, as you are likely to push them deeper.
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By Age
What to expect by age
0-12 months
Babies under 1 year rarely insert objects in their own ears. However, an older sibling could place something in a baby's ear. If you notice your baby suddenly fussy, pawing at one ear, or if you see something lodged in the ear canal, seek medical evaluation. Do not attempt removal at home.
1-3 years
This is the most common age for ear foreign bodies. Your toddler may tell you they put something in their ear, or you might notice ear pain, decreased hearing on one side, or drainage from one ear. If an insect is in the ear and your child is distressed by the buzzing or movement, you can try flooding the ear canal with warm (not hot) mineral oil or olive oil to kill the insect before seeking removal. For all other objects, go to your pediatrician or urgent care.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your child is calm and the object is visible near the ear canal opening without pain
- A small amount of ear wax is dislodged during the removal process
- You suspect something is in your child's ear but cannot see it
- Your child is complaining of ear fullness or muffled hearing
- Your child has a new, unexplained discharge from one ear
- A button battery is in the ear (this is an emergency - chemical burns can occur within hours)
- There is significant pain, bleeding, or hearing loss after something was placed in the ear
- Your child has a live insect in the ear causing severe distress
- Your child pushed the object deeper while trying to remove it themselves
- There is drainage of pus or blood from the ear canal
Sources
Related Resources
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician.
Worrying about your baby means you care. That is a good thing.
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.
Baby Pulling or Tugging at Ears
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.
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.
Baby Put Something Up Their Nose
Toddlers frequently put small objects up their noses - beads, food, peas, small toy parts, tissue, and more. Sometimes you see it happen, but other times the first clue is a foul-smelling, one-sided nasal discharge days later. If you can see the object and your child is calm, you can try the "mother's kiss" technique (closing the clear nostril and gently puffing into your child's mouth). If you cannot see it or your first attempt fails, do not keep trying - see your pediatrician or visit urgent care.
My Baby Seems to Use One Side More Than the Other
Babies should use both sides of their body fairly equally during the first 18 months of life. While slight preferences can be normal, a consistent pattern of favoring one side - using one arm much more than the other, crawling with one leg dragging, or turning the head predominantly one way - should always be discussed with your pediatrician. Early identification of asymmetry leads to the best outcomes.
My Baby Only Army Crawls
Army crawling (also called commando crawling) is a completely valid and normal way for babies to move. Many babies army crawl for weeks or even months before transitioning to hands-and-knees crawling, and some skip hands-and-knees crawling entirely. What matters is that your baby is independently mobile and exploring their environment.