Baby Put Something in Their Ear
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician
Content reviewed against published AAP, NIH, AAP guidelines
Last reviewed:
Your baby's physical development is unique, and concerns about baby put something in their ear, here is what you need to know.
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.
Key takeaways
- 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.
- Usually normal when: Your child is calm and the object is visible near the ear canal opening without pain
- Call your doctor if: A button battery is in the ear (this is an emergency - chemical burns can occur within hours)
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, NIH guidelines, 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. At 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. It is generally considered normal when your child is calm and the object is visible near the ear canal opening without pain. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if a button battery is in the ear (this is an emergency - chemical burns can occur within hours).
Normal vs. Concerning
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 to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed baby put something in their ear and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if you suspect something is in your child's ear but cannot see it.
- Mention if your child is complaining of ear fullness or muffled hearing.
- 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
- 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
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice baby put something in their ear — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that your child is calm and the object is visible near the ear canal opening without pain — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 0-12 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 a button battery is in the ear (this is an emergency - chemical burns can occur within hours).
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.
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.
Related Resources
Frequently asked questions
Is baby put something in their ear normal?
When should I call the doctor about baby put something in their ear?
When is baby put something in their ear normal?
What causes baby put something in their ear?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about baby put something in their ear?
Is baby put something in their ear normal at 0-12 months?
Is baby put something in their ear normal at 1-3 years?
Should I go to the ER for baby put something in their ear?
Does baby put something in their ear go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Baby Put Something in Their Ear.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed baby put something in their ear and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if you suspect something is in your child's ear but cannot see it.
- Mention if your child is complaining of ear fullness or muffled hearing.
- 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
- 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
Urgent signs to report immediately
- 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
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 put something in their ear are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if a button battery is in the ear (this is an emergency - chemical burns can occur within hours).
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.
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.
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.