Is Your Baby's Bath Time Safe? Ear Water Issues - Pediatrics

Share to:

Water gets into a baby's ears during bath time?


Hello, Doctor.
My baby has enjoyed bathing since he was one month old.
Since he was over a month old, his father has been giving him baths, and he is now almost four months old.
The baby loves playing in the water and swimming, and his father sometimes lets his head submerge in the water.
Even when he’s not submerged, the baby tends to turn his head from side to side, which results in water getting into his ears.
He seems to have a lot of fun and does not cry or fuss.
(The water is not clean; it contains baby bath gel.) So far, the baby has not shown any significant discomfort, although he occasionally scratches his ears, but it is not frequent or persistent—just occasionally.
The ear discharge appears normal.
Yesterday, his right ear had a slight odor, but it did not smell like pus, and it improved after his bath.
I’m wondering if I should monitor for any signs of otitis externa, or if this could lead to any diseases or affect his hearing.
Thank you, Doctor.

Xinshou Ma, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/07/30

Dr. Xiao Kaiwen reply Pediatrics


It is generally not harmful if water gets into a baby's ears during bath time.
Parents may consider using a shower cap to cover the ears to prevent water from entering.
If water accidentally gets in, parents can lay the baby on their side on their lap and gently pull on the ear to straighten the ear canal, allowing the water to flow out.
Mild external otitis can resolve on its own, but if there are persistent symptoms such as noticeable itching, ear pain, fussiness, fever, reduced hearing, or discharge from the ear, it is important to take the child to a pediatrician to check for external otitis or otitis media.

Reply Date: 2021/07/30

More Info


When it comes to bath time for your baby, especially regarding water entering the ears, there are several important considerations to keep in mind. Bathing can be a delightful experience for infants, but it’s essential to ensure that it remains safe and healthy for their developing bodies.

First and foremost, it’s quite common for babies to get water in their ears during bath time. Generally, this does not pose a significant risk, especially if the baby is otherwise healthy and not showing signs of distress. However, there are a few precautions and observations that parents should consider.

1. Ear Water Issues: If water enters the ear canal, it typically drains out naturally. You can assist this process by gently tilting the baby’s head to the side or laying them on their side to help the water escape. If your baby seems comfortable and is not displaying signs of discomfort, such as excessive ear pulling or crying, it is likely that the water is not causing any harm.

2. Signs of Infection: You mentioned that your baby occasionally scratches their ear and that there was a slight odor from the right ear, which improved after bathing. While a mild odor can sometimes be normal, it’s crucial to monitor for signs of ear infections, such as persistent ear pulling, fussiness, fever, or unusual discharge from the ear. If any of these symptoms occur, it would be wise to consult a pediatrician to rule out conditions like otitis externa (outer ear infection) or otitis media (middle ear infection).

3. Bathing Products: Since you are using a baby-specific bath product, ensure that it is gentle and free from harsh chemicals. Sometimes, residues from soaps or shampoos can irritate the sensitive skin of the ear canal, leading to discomfort or infections. If you notice any adverse reactions, consider switching to a different product.

4. Preventive Measures: To minimize the risk of water entering the ears, you might consider using a bathing cap designed for infants. This can help keep water out of the ears while still allowing your baby to enjoy bath time. Additionally, avoid submerging the baby’s head underwater for extended periods, as this can increase the likelihood of water entering the ear canal.

5. Hygiene and Ear Cleaning: It’s important to maintain ear hygiene without over-cleaning. Using cotton swabs inside the ear canal is not recommended, as this can push wax further in or even damage the ear drum. Instead, gently clean the outer ear with a damp cloth during bath time.

6. Hearing Development: As for concerns about hearing, exposure to water in the ears during bath time is unlikely to cause hearing loss or long-term damage, provided that there are no infections or injuries. Babies are quite resilient, and their hearing is typically robust unless there are underlying health issues.

In summary, while it’s normal for babies to get water in their ears during bath time, it’s essential to monitor for any signs of discomfort or infection. Keeping bath time safe involves using gentle products, avoiding submersion of the head, and ensuring proper ear hygiene. If you have any concerns about your baby’s ear health or hearing, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician for guidance. Regular check-ups can help ensure that your baby’s ears and overall health are on track as they grow.

Similar Q&A

Sun Exposure and Water in Baby's Ears: Pediatric Concerns

Hello Doctor, I apologize for bothering you. I would like to ask, my baby is over 2 months old, and today when we went out, their eyes were exposed to sunlight. Is this a concern? Also, while bathing the baby, I noticed water on their ears and I'm worried about water getting...


Dr. He Shenglong reply Pediatrics
Hello: Based on your description, if the baby was exposed to sunlight but did not stare directly at a strong light source for an extended period, it is unlikely to cause any harm to the eyes, so there is no need to worry excessively. If you have any concerns, it is advisable to h...

[Read More] Sun Exposure and Water in Baby's Ears: Pediatric Concerns


Baby Hearing Concerns: Earwax, Safety, and White Noise Effects

Hello, Doctor. My baby occasionally has earwax near the ear canal and auricle, and I use a damp cotton swab to clean it. However, a few days ago, while I was cleaning, my baby suddenly moved his face from side to side, and I was worried that the cotton swab might have accidentall...


Dr. Xiao Kaiwen reply Pediatrics
If there are blood streaks on the cotton swab, it indicates that the ear canal or eardrum may have been injured. If there is a noticeable injury to the external ear canal, it is generally uncomfortable and may cause crying or fussiness, requiring medical evaluation. If the injury...

[Read More] Baby Hearing Concerns: Earwax, Safety, and White Noise Effects


Caring for Newborns: Addressing Ear Hygiene and Urine Exposure Concerns

Hello Doctor: I would like to ask you some questions regarding the care of newborns. While changing the diaper of my six-day-old baby, urine accidentally sprayed onto the ear. We were only able to clean the urine residue from the outer ear with a cotton swab, but we cannot clean ...


Dr. Lin Huizhen reply Pediatrics
Dear Jeremy, 1. If an infant has an unfortunate urinary tract infection, it is best to have a pediatrician evaluate it for any adverse effects. 2. The ears have a self-cleaning mechanism. Sincerely, Dr. Tsai Yueh-Fu Department of Family Medicine, Tainan Hospital, Ministry o...

[Read More] Caring for Newborns: Addressing Ear Hygiene and Urine Exposure Concerns


Safe Ear Cleaning Tips for Your 17-Month-Old Baby

How should I clean the ears of a one-year-and-seven-month-old baby?


Dr. Liang Hongjian reply Pediatrics
Earwax can be classified into two types: dry and oily. Dry earwax can naturally fall out due to the motion of the jaw during chewing and does not require special treatment. Oily earwax, on the other hand, should be monitored, especially after bathing or washing hair, as water ent...

[Read More] Safe Ear Cleaning Tips for Your 17-Month-Old Baby


Related FAQ

Ear

(Pediatrics)

Bedwetting

(Pediatrics)

Infant Urination

(Pediatrics)

Stroke

(Pediatrics)

Pediatric Vomiting

(Pediatrics)

Accidental Ingestion

(Pediatrics)

Teething

(Pediatrics)

Shaken Baby Syndrome

(Pediatrics)

Fever

(Pediatrics)

Oral Thrush

(Pediatrics)