To clean a newborn’s ears, wipe the outer ear and folds with a warm, damp cloth—never put anything inside the ear canal.
Why Earwax Matters In Newborns
Newborn ears make wax to trap dust and keep the canal skin moist. That wax moves out on its own. Trying to dig it out can push it deeper and scratch skin. Pediatric groups warn against cotton swabs inside the ear.
For day-to-day care, think simple: wash what you can see, leave the canal alone. Guidance from the NHS on baby washing and the AAP’s baby bathing tips both say to clean around the ear, not inside.
How To Clean A Newborn’s Ears Safely: Step-By-Step
Bath Time Setup
Pick a warm room. Have a soft washcloth, a small bowl of warm water, and a dry towel within reach. Skip soap for the ear area; plain water is enough. If your baby still has an umbilical stump, stick with a sponge bath so the belly stays dry.
Step-By-Step Cleaning
- Wet the washcloth with warm water and wring it out well.
- Cradle your baby so the head is steady. Steady the neck.
- Wipe the outer ear bowl, the rim, and the folds behind the ear. Use light strokes.
- Fold the cloth to a clean corner and swipe the tiny crease at the front of the ear.
- Do not insert the cloth or a finger into the ear canal. Leave the canal alone.
Drying And After-Care
Pat the area dry with the towel. Dry behind the ears and in each small crease so skin stays healthy. That’s it—no swabs or tools.
Newborn Ear Care: Do And Skip
| Situation | Do | Skip |
|---|---|---|
| Daily cleanup | Wipe the outer ear and behind the ear with warm water | Putting swabs, fingers, or gadgets into the canal |
| Visible dried milk or lint | Soften with a damp corner of the cloth, then lift away | Picking at it with nails or tweezers |
| Bath days | Keep the head warm and dry gently after | Hot water near the ear canal or power sprays |
| Earwax at the opening | Let it fall out on its own | Digging it out; ear candles; cotton swabs |
| After swimming later on | Tilt head and pat dry around the ear | Blowing air into the ear or using sharp tips |
Wax You Can Leave Alone
Most wax is self-cleaning. Jaw motion and skin growth carry it outward where it flakes off. A small amount at the entrance is normal. Removing all of it makes ears itchy and prone to irritation. If wax blocks the canal, see your baby’s doctor not with home tools.
Products: What’s Safe, What’s Not
Okay For Routine Care
- Plain warm water on a soft washcloth
- A few drops of baby shampoo on hair only, rinsed away from the ears
- Petroleum jelly on dry skin behind the ears if advised by your care team
Skip For Newborn Ears
- Cotton swabs inside the canal
- Metal or plastic ear picks
- Ear candling
- High-pressure spray nozzles
- Home wax-softening drops unless your baby’s doctor says so
Cleaning Around The Ears During Sponge Baths
Until the umbilical stump falls off, stick to sponge baths. Wash the face first. Use a fresh piece of cloth for the ear area. Clean the outer ear and the crease behind it. Keep water away from the cord area. The AAP’s newborn bath guide lays out the steps.
Dry Skin, Flakes, Or Cradle Cap Near The Ears
Flaky skin on the scalp and around the ears is common. Massage a bit of baby oil onto scalp flakes, wait a few minutes, then wash with mild baby shampoo and rinse. Wipe the skin around the ear with water only. If redness spreads, there’s oozing, or the skin cracks, see your baby’s doctor for advice on gentle care products.
Water In The Ears After A Bath
A few drops near the opening can show up at bath time. Tilt the head to each side and blot the outer ear. Do not insert tissue or the cloth into the canal. Keep the skin around the ear dry and comfy. The canal itself does not need help.
When Earwax Seems Heavy
Some babies make more wax than others. If a soft lump sits at the opening, leave it during the bath. It often loosens and falls out later. If you notice muffled responses to sound, fussing when the ear is touched, or a plug that blocks the opening, ask your baby’s doctor about next steps. Medical staff have safe tools sized for tiny ears.
Ear Pulling And Fussiness
Babies touch their ears a lot. Sometimes it is a new discovery; sometimes the skin behind the ears is damp or itchy. If your baby eats and sleeps as usual, you can watch for a day while keeping the area clean and dry. If there is fever, nonstop crying, or new drainage, set up a visit with your baby’s doctor.
Holding Positions That Help
A football hold works well. Tuck the body along your forearm with the head near your elbow so one hand stays free for the cloth. A laid-back hold on your lap with a rolled towel under the neck also works. Keep movements slow and speak softly so your baby stays calm.
Choosing Washcloths And Water
Pick a fine weave cloth that feels soft when wet. A classic cotton terry works well. Use warm water that feels cozy on the inside of your wrist. Wring it out so drops don’t run into the ear. Keep a second dry cloth nearby for a quick pat-down.
If Milk Or Spit-Up Reaches The Ear Area
During feeds, small dribbles can pool in the outer ear bowl or under the lobe. Wipe them away after the feed with a damp corner of the cloth, then dry the folds. This simple step keeps skin from getting chafed and helps prevent a sour smell later in the day.
Travel And Out-Of-Home Care
Pack a small zip bag with a soft washcloth, wipes, and a spare towel. After a car nap, you may spot lint near the ear. Dab it away with a damp cloth. Save any deeper cleanup for bath time at home.
Signs Your Routine Is Working
Skin around the ears looks calm. There’s no strong odor. Your baby startles to sounds and turns to your voice. Wax at the opening slowly clears on its own. If any of that changes, reach out to your baby’s care team.
Ear Care For Preemies
Preterm skin is delicate. Use only water on the ear area unless your baby’s NICU team gave a different plan. Keep hats dry and change them if they get damp. Short, gentle wipes are enough on bath days.
Ear Pits Or Skin Tags Near The Ear
Some babies are born with tiny pits in front of the ear or small skin tags. Clean the skin around them as you would the rest of the ear and keep the area dry. If a pit becomes red or drains, set up a clinic visit.
Tips For Calm, Safe Ear Care
Set The Scene
- Warm the room and the water first.
- Lay out supplies within arm’s reach.
- Use a hooded towel to keep heat in.
Use Gentle Technique
- Short wipes, no digging, no twisting.
- Turn the cloth often so each swipe is clean.
- Finish by drying folds and the area behind each ear.
Know Common Myths
- Wax is not dirt; it protects the canal.
- The ear canal is self-cleaning.
- Candles and sharp tools are not safe at any age.
How Often Should I Clean?
During newborn weeks, a quick wipe during each bath day is enough. On non-bath days, clean milk dribbles or lint you can see, then stop. There’s no set schedule for the canal because you shouldn’t be cleaning the canal at all. On drool-heavy days, wipe behind the ears at diaper changes too. Hats and headbands can trap moisture, so lift them for a quick dry when you change outfits.
When To Call The Doctor
| Sign | What It May Mean | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow or green drainage | Possible ear infection or canal irritation | See your baby’s doctor promptly |
| Foul smell from one ear | Possible trapped foreign material or infection | Book a same-week visit |
| Fever with ear pulling | Illness that needs a medical check | Call your clinic today |
| Sudden pain, blood, or a loud pop | Possible eardrum injury | Seek care now |
| Wax fully blocks the opening | Impaction | Let a clinician remove it |
These signs point to more than day-to-day wax. Drainage that looks yellow or green suggests infection. A bad smell from one ear can signal a trapped object. Fever paired with ear pulling needs a medical check. Any bleeding or a popping sound needs same-day care. A full plug at the opening should be removed by trained staff.
Mistakes To Avoid
- Inserting swabs, fingers, or tools into the canal
- Using hot water or high-pressure spray near the ear
- Leaving moisture in the folds behind the ear
- Using medicated drops without guidance
- Pulling out flakes that are stuck to skin
Last Handy Reminders
Clean what you can see with warm water and a soft touch. Dry every fold. Leave the canal alone. Lean on trusted guides such as the NHS baby care page and the AAP’s newborn bath advice linked above. If something looks off or your baby seems in pain, see your baby’s doctor. Share the routine with grandparents or caregivers. Keep it simple, gently.