How Do You Recognize Infant Ear Infections?
Parents can minimize their infant’s discomfort from an ear infection if they learn to recognize the symptoms. Catching an ear infection early is helpful to both the baby and parents. Early medical attention avoids bouts of pain and tears that many infants and parents have to endure. Recognize irritability or unexplained crankiness. Parents know their infants and can pick up on when the baby is fussier than usual. Unexplained crying after a baby has been fed, changed and entertained can be an indication of an ear infection. Keep track recent illnesses. If your baby recently had a cold or mucus discharge, there is a possibility that an ear infection may develop. Ear infections sometimes develop after a cold or recent sinus infection. Notice if the baby pulls at her ears. Unfortunately, infants cannot verbalize discomfort. In addition to crying if you notice your baby is tugging or pulling at her ears she may be pointing you in the direction of her discomfort. Monitor your baby’s appetite