Swimmer's Ear in Babies
Content reviewed against published AAP, CDC guidelines
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If your baby has been diagnosed with or you suspect swimmer's ear in babies, here is what the evidence says.
The short answer
Swimmer's ear (otitis externa) is an infection of the outer ear canal, different from the middle ear infections that are more common in babies. It is caused by moisture trapped in the ear canal creating an environment for bacterial growth. While more common in older children and adults, babies and toddlers can develop it after baths, swimming, or from excessive ear cleaning. The hallmark sign is pain when the outer ear is touched or pulled. Treatment is typically antibiotic ear drops.
Key takeaways
- Swimmer's ear (otitis externa) is an infection of the outer ear canal, different from the middle ear infections that are more common in babies. It is caused by moisture trapped in the ear canal creating an environment for bacterial growth. While more common in older children and adults, babies and toddlers can develop it after baths, swimming, or from excessive ear cleaning. The hallmark sign is pain when the outer ear is touched or pulled. Treatment is typically antibiotic ear drops.
- Usually normal when: Your baby's ears appear slightly red after bath time but there is no pain, discharge, or swelling - mild redness from warm water is normal.
- Call your doctor if: Your baby has severe ear pain with significant swelling that is closing off the ear canal, fever, or swelling spreading to the face or behind the ear - this could indicate a more serious infection requiring urgent care.
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“Fever itself is not an illness — rather, it is a sign or symptom that the body is fighting an infection. Fever stimulates certain defenses, such as the white blood cells, which attack and destroy invading bacteria.”
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By Age
What to expect by age
0-3 months
Swimmer's ear is uncommon at this age since very young babies are not exposed to pools or prolonged water in the ears. However, if your newborn develops redness, swelling, or discharge from the ear canal, have your pediatrician evaluate - it could be a skin infection in the ear canal or another condition. Be gentle during baths and avoid inserting anything (including cotton swabs) into the ear canal.
3-6 months
As babies begin to enjoy bath time and some families introduce swimming, there is a small risk of water becoming trapped in the ear canal. Signs of swimmer's ear at this age include increased fussiness, crying when the outer ear is touched, and redness of the ear canal opening. If you notice your baby becoming upset when you touch or clean around the ear, rather than only during ear pulling, this may point to an outer ear issue rather than a middle ear infection.
6-12 months
Babies who regularly swim or have frequent baths may develop swimmer's ear. The key distinguishing feature from a middle ear infection is pain with movement of the outer ear (pinna) or pressure on the tragus (the small flap in front of the ear canal). Your baby may resist having their ear touched, and you may notice the ear canal looking red or swollen. Antibiotic ear drops are the standard treatment - oral antibiotics are not typically needed for outer ear infections.
12 months+
Toddlers who swim or play in water frequently are at higher risk. Signs include ear pain (especially when the ear is touched), itching, drainage, and a feeling of fullness. Prevention includes drying ears gently after water exposure and avoiding cotton swabs. If your toddler has ear tubes, water precautions and the use of ear plugs during swimming may be recommended by your ENT to prevent both swimmer's ear and middle ear contamination.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your baby's ears appear slightly red after bath time but there is no pain, discharge, or swelling - mild redness from warm water is normal.
- Your baby has some water in their ear after a bath that drains on its own - this is normal and does not usually cause infection.
- Your toddler's ear feels itchy occasionally after swimming but resolves quickly without other symptoms.
- There is a small amount of earwax visible in the ear canal - this is protective and should not be removed aggressively.
- Your baby cries or pulls away when you touch or gently tug the outer ear - this is the classic sign of swimmer's ear.
- You notice redness, swelling, or discharge from the ear canal opening.
- Your toddler has ear pain after swimming that doesn't resolve within a few hours.
- Your baby has severe ear pain with significant swelling that is closing off the ear canal, fever, or swelling spreading to the face or behind the ear - this could indicate a more serious infection requiring urgent care.
- Your child with ear tubes develops signs of swimmer's ear along with foul-smelling drainage - prompt evaluation is needed to determine if the middle ear is also involved.
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Swimmer's Ear in Babies.
Things to mention
- Your baby cries or pulls away when you touch or gently tug the outer ear - this is the classic sign of swimmer's ear.
- You notice redness, swelling, or discharge from the ear canal opening.
- Your toddler has ear pain after swimming that doesn't resolve within a few hours.
Observations to share
- Your baby cries or pulls away when you touch or gently tug the outer ear - this is the classic sign of swimmer's ear.
- You notice redness, swelling, or discharge from the ear canal opening.
- Your toddler has ear pain after swimming that doesn't resolve within a few hours.
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Your baby has severe ear pain with significant swelling that is closing off the ear canal, fever, or swelling spreading to the face or behind the ear - this could indicate a more serious infection requiring urgent care.
- Your child with ear tubes develops signs of swimmer's ear along with foul-smelling drainage - prompt evaluation is needed to determine if the middle ear is also involved.
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
Related Resources
Frequently asked questions
Is swimmer's ear in babies normal?
When should I call the doctor about swimmer's ear in babies?
When is swimmer's ear in babies normal?
What causes swimmer's ear in babies?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about swimmer's ear in babies?
Is swimmer's ear in babies normal at 0-3 months?
Is swimmer's ear in babies normal at 3-6 months?
Should I go to the ER for swimmer's ear in babies?
Does swimmer's ear in babies go away on its own?
References
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of swimmer's ear in babies are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your baby has severe ear pain with significant swelling that is closing off the ear canal, fever, or swelling spreading to the face or behind the ear - this could indicate a more serious infection requiring urgent care.
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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