In order to take care properly of the baby, we must exercise caution whenever we are trying to handle him or her. One specific point of confusion when it comes to babies is the cleaning of the ears.
It can be very confusing for the parents because there are pros and cons to earwax buildup as will be stated in the following paragraphs. However, there also disadvantages and risks that should be considered when cleaning baby ears. You are risking causing infection and damaging the ear drums of the baby. In addition, you will have the baby feel uncomfortable because of the pain that comes with cleaning the ears.
Benefits of Earwax
This is also known as Cerumen. It is a mixture of many substances that is the secreted by the same glands that make the body as soft and hydrated as it is. It can be found in the outer ears of the baby. Your jaw movements will be able to the edge of your ears which will have it open to accumulating dust, dirt and any other dangerous elements from the external environment.
The Different Types
Would you believe that earwax varies from all other ethnic groups? This means that if you are from a different ethnicity your earwax will mirror the same differences. An example would be the earwax of Caucasians and African natives. They have brown or honey-colored earwax.
Cleaning Baby Ears
- As a parent, you are strongly advised to let the doctor clean your baby’s ears. This is because they have special instruments that they can use to minimize the danger of piercing or damaging the ear drum.
- You may notice that there is a waxy substance in the ear drums. You have the option to remove it because too much of the substance would create pressure for the ear drums which can cause the baby to have balance problems as well as extreme discomfort.
- Furthermore you should never insert cotton swabs, your fingers or different cleaning instrument into the child’s ears. By doing this, you are putting the child at risk in terms of incurring ear damage. Furthermore, the cotton swabs can bring the dirt and foreign matter closer to the eardrums. If this happens, this would increase the risk of illness for the baby.
- There are some manufacturers that are now into the production of special swabs that can be used as a cleaning agent for the baby’s outer ear. Because of the special bell shape, this will present no immediate danger for the baby. However, parents are still advised to be very cautious in using the implement.
- You can prevent ear wax buildup by making sure that the neck of the child is kept clean. You could also use warm water and peroxide to ensure maximum hygiene. You just have to make sure that none of the dirt will be able to reach the ear canal.
- Lastly, upon reaching a comprehensive age, he or she can learn to clean his ears on his own. Parents should be able to teach about safe ear cleaning along with other hygiene-related activities such as cleaning the hair and trimming the nails.
