Although you can reduce your (or your child’s) risk of
developing ear infections, you may not be able to prevent them
entirely. However, there are things you can do in your daily
life and in caring for your children that may reduce the risk of
ear infections. To reduce your children’s risk of ear
infections: - Avoid exposure to cigarette smoke or smoke from
wood-burning stoves. - Consider breastfeeding your infant for at
least the first six months. - If you bottlefeed your baby, keep
your baby’s head upright as much as possible. - Reduce exposure
to environmental factors that might trigger allergic reactions.
- Try to avoid using a pacifier or use one only when your child
goes to sleep. - Make sure that your child receives all
recommended immunizations. - Use good hand washing techniques
and other practices to avoid spreading germs. - If your child
snores, ask the doctor to check for enlarged adenoids. - What
should you do about daycare? - Find out about xylitol. Cigarette
smoke and smoke from wood-burning st