Baby Pulling or Tugging at Ears
The short answer
Baby ear pulling is one of the most common concerns parents bring up, but it is rarely a sign of an ear infection on its own. Babies discover their ears around 4-6 months and often pull, rub, or tug at them out of curiosity, self-soothing, teething discomfort, or tiredness. Ear pulling is concerning for infection mainly when accompanied by fever, fussiness, disrupted sleep, or cold symptoms. Without other symptoms, ear pulling is almost always harmless exploration.
By Age
What to expect by age
Very young babies may bat at or rub their ears as they discover their body parts. This is a normal part of sensory exploration. Ear infections are less common at this age because maternal antibodies offer some protection and babies are less exposed to cold viruses. If a young baby pulls at ears with fever or extreme fussiness, evaluation is warranted.
This is the peak age for both ear discovery and the start of teething, which commonly causes referred discomfort near the ears and jaw. Babies may rub or pull their ears when tired, as a self-soothing behavior, or when teething. They also get more ear infections at this age as daycare exposure and cold frequency increase. The key differentiator is accompanying symptoms: ear pulling alone without fever, fussiness, cold symptoms, or sleep disruption is very unlikely to be an ear infection.
Toddlers may pull at their ears when they have wax buildup, water in the ear after bathing or swimming, allergies, or genuinely have an ear infection. They may also do it as a habit or comfort behavior. By this age, toddlers can often point to or tell you about ear pain. Ear infections at this age are commonly preceded by a cold with congestion lasting several days.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Ear pulling without any other symptoms like fever, fussiness, or cold
- Pulling at ears during teething while also drooling and chewing
- Rubbing ears when tired or sleepy as a self-soothing habit
- Exploring ears with curiosity during bath time or quiet moments
- Pulling at both ears equally (infection usually affects one ear)
- Ear pulling is accompanied by a cold, congestion, and fussiness
- Your baby is pulling at one specific ear persistently and seems uncomfortable
- Ear pulling disrupts sleep when it previously did not
- You notice fluid or drainage from the ear
- Ear pulling with fever over 102F (38.9C) and significant irritability
- Pus or blood draining from the ear canal
- Your baby is inconsolable and pulling at their ear after a cold
- Your baby seems to not be hearing well or is not responding to sounds from one side
Sources
Related Resources
Related Physical Concerns
Baby Ear Infections (Otitis Media)
Ear infections are one of the most common childhood illnesses, and most children will have at least one by age 3. They are caused by fluid buildup behind the eardrum, often following a cold. While uncomfortable, most ear infections are not dangerous and many resolve on their own, though some need antibiotics.
Excessive Ear Wax in Baby
Ear wax (cerumen) is normal and protective - it traps dust and germs and keeps the ear canal moisturized. Babies naturally produce ear wax, and the amount varies from child to child. You should never put cotton swabs, fingers, or anything else into your baby's ear canal. Ear wax normally works its way out on its own. Simply wipe away any visible wax on the outer ear with a damp cloth during bath time.
Signs of Hearing Loss in Babies
Most babies are screened for hearing loss at birth, but some hearing problems develop later or are missed. Early signs include not startling to loud sounds, not turning toward voices by 6 months, or not babbling by 9 months. Catching hearing loss early is critical for language development.
Ear Infection vs. Teething - How to Tell the Difference
Ear pulling is one of the most commonly confused symptoms in babies - it can indicate either teething or an ear infection, and telling the difference can be tricky. Teething causes referred pain to the ear area (especially when molars are coming in), leading babies to pull or rub their ears. An ear infection typically follows a cold and is associated with fever, disrupted sleep, and increased fussiness. The key differences: teething ear pulling is usually without fever and is accompanied by drooling and gum swelling, while ear infections typically cause fever, follow a cold, and may cause more intense pain when lying down.
My Baby Seems to Use One Side More Than the Other
Babies should use both sides of their body fairly equally during the first 18 months of life. While slight preferences can be normal, a consistent pattern of favoring one side - using one arm much more than the other, crawling with one leg dragging, or turning the head predominantly one way - should always be discussed with your pediatrician. Early identification of asymmetry leads to the best outcomes.
Baby or Toddler Body Odor - When Is It Normal?
Babies and toddlers can develop body odor from several benign causes: sour milk caught in skin folds, sweating, diaper area odor, strong-smelling foods in the diet, and certain medications or vitamins. True body odor (like adult BO from apocrine glands) should not occur before puberty. If your baby or young toddler has a persistent unusual body odor that is not explained by skin folds, diaper, or diet, it could indicate a metabolic condition, infection, or foreign body (especially in the nose or vaginal area). Unusual persistent odor warrants a doctor visit.