I see a lot of parents who bring their baby/toddler/child in to
the pediatrician with concerns that their child might have an
ear infection. One of the reasons for their concern is often
that their baby is tugging on their ears. Babies find their
ears, just like their hands and feet, around 4 -6 months of age.
I guess a baby must think this ear tugging is fun and feels good
as maybe babies have itchy ears just like adults. It also seems
to be a self soothing habit for other children who seem to pull
on their ears when they get tired and cranky. Maybe it is
related to new molars coming in at the back of the jaw line?
Whatever the cause, it often concerns parents who are told by
their friends or relatives, I am worried, this ear pulling
probably means the child has an ear infection. So, being a good
parent off you go to your pediatrician only to find out that the
ears a beautiful and clear! Most babies and children do not get
an ear infection without ANY other symptoms besides ear pulling.
In most cases infants