Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Suggested for you
How to Clean Baby Ears
As a new parent, you will have a lot of responsibilities towards your child - cleaning his ears being one of them. Yes, it may come as a surprise, but you will to pay attention to the little things (like cleaning his ears or trimming his fingernails) which may become one of the reasons for a health issue. When it comes to cleaning your baby's ears, safety comes first. There will be earwax build-up in your infant's ears and it is common. There are a lot of ways in which you can clean your baby's ears but the key is to find a method that works best for you and your child.
What Is Earwax?
Earwax, which is also known as cerumen, is a sticky gooey material produced inside the ear. It consists of dead skin cells and is secreted by the glands situated in the lining of the ear. As irritating as earwax might be, it is actually a sign of the normalcy of your baby's physiology. Furthermore, secretion of earwax is the body's natural method of preventing water or external infection from entering inside.
How Much Ear Wax is Normal for a Baby?
While the earwax may secrete generously from a baby's ears, excessive ear wax in babies is generally uncommon. The amount of wax secreted from each ear will not always be the same - one ear may have more earwax than the other. The earwax secreted or produced is considered healthy earwax when the paediatrician is able to see the baby's eardrums clearly, through the wax. If the ear canal is totally blocked by the hardened earwax or there's a yellowish flaky wax causing discomfort to your baby, then that may be a problem.
My Baby's Ear Is Hurting - Is It Because of Earwax or Ear Infection?
When babies experience discomfort in their ears, they tend to start rubbing and pulling their ears, and even poking their fingers inside their ears to scratch the ears and to get some relief from the irritation. This is a general reaction to the uncomfortable nature of earwax. However, a build-up of earwax does not result in any fever or sleeping problems, since earwax is a normal secretion.
Large amounts of earwax can be easily spotted by simply looking into the ear. Sometimes, there might be a little brownish coloured fluid discharge from the ear present inside too. If your baby is in pain, or the earwax looks different than usual, then there is a chance that the pain is from an ear infection. The obvious sign of an infection is high fever or milky white coloured pus draining out from the baby's ears. This could also mean a perforated eardrum, which can cause intense pain and discomfort due to the earwax discharge. Among other things, if your baby becomes irritable and starts crying when he lies down and also suffers from diarrhoea, these are tell-tale signs of an ear infection and you should show your baby to a paediatrician as soon as possible.
Reasons for Earwax Build Up in an Infant's Ears
Earwax building up is one of the natural processes of the human body, similar to that of hair growth. An infant's ears generate wax all the time as a protective mechanism for the eardrum. Once generated, the earwax is gradually pushed out of the ear via the ear canal. This is done by extremely tiny, hair-like structures inside the ear canal called cilia.
Since the skin growth inside the ear is also outward, the earwax gets pushed out of the ear canal. Generally gooey and slightly fluid in nature, earwax is known to get denser if your baby isn't consuming enough fluids. Similarly, when the natural tendency to push wax outside is countered by attempting to clean it with cotton swabs, the action generally results in pushing the earwax deeper within the ear canal. This starts creating an earwax buildup, resulting in a blockage of the ear canal.
How to Clean Your Child's Ears
There are enough and more ways to clean a baby's ears. We have mentioned a few of them below - try out the one which works best for your child!
1. Using a Washcloth
The best way to remove earwax is by using a soft washcloth with warm water. First, dip the washcloth in warm water and squeeze it out to get rid of excess water. Then use it to wipe around the outer area of the baby's ear to gradually clean any earwax that's trickled outside. Most of the wax will fall out on its own. The remaining can be wiped off. Do not push the washcloth inside the ear canal. Take your baby to your paediatrician and let him take a look at his ears. Your paediatrician might scrape out the wax inside the ear using a tiny tool.
2. Using Baby Ear Drops
If the build-up is deep, you might need to use ear drops. Before administering ear drops, ensure that you use the ones which are recommended by your baby's paediatrician. Calm down your baby and keep him engaged in some activity, else choose a time of the day when your baby is usually silent and rested. Hold the bottle of eardrops in your palms to slightly warm it up. Lay your baby on your lap, with the blocked ear facing towards you. Use an eyedropper and fill it up with the solution in the bottle.
Place the dropper close to the baby's ear, and drop the solution gradually, until the baby's ear canal is completely full. Wait a few minutes for the solution to settle inside the ear. Your baby may feel a weird sensation, so ensure to keep him calm. The eardrops will soften the wax in the canal, which will then flow out of the ear. Next dip a washcloth in warm water, squeeze out excess water, and clean up any excess drops and the wax that flowed out of the ear. This treatment needs to be repeated for at least three to five days. Once done, during one of the baby's baths, use a rubber dropper and squirt lukewarm water into the blocked ear of the baby. Large chunks of wax will flow out of their ear, opening up the ear canal.
3. Using a Cotton Swab
This is similar to using a washcloth. Use a cotton swab moistened with oil peroxide or warm water, and follow the procedure mentioned above.
Safety Tips to Follow When Cleaning Your Baby's Ears
You can try the methods mentioned above to clean your baby's ears. It is, however, important to remember what not to do and what not to use when cleaning baby's ears. The cardinal rule of cleaning an infant's ears asks parents to refrain from using cotton buds. As convenient as they might seem, cotton swabs are known to push the earwax further into the ear canal. This worsens the problems and results in earwax build-up, leading to canal blockage. Same goes for using fingers, too. Sticking anything inside the ear canal can result in wax build-up or can cause harm to the eardrum, and may even rupture it. If the earwax problem starts getting worse, it is better to use baby earwax drops after consulting with your baby's paediatrician.
Home Remedies
Apart from the usual methods mentioned above, there are a bunch of home remedies that prove to be useful in getting rid of earwax from the baby's ears.
1. Saltwater
Using salt water is the easiest way to soften the earwax and get rid of it.
2. Baby Oil
Baby oil or olive oil can be used with a dropper to soften the wax and flow it out.
3. Vinegar
At times, vinegar and rubbing alcohol are used for removing earwax as well as preventing an ear infection.
4. Water and Baking Soda
A solution of water and 10 per cent baking soda is an age-old remedy for getting rid of earwax.
5. Glycerine
Using glycerine for removing earwax is a popular remedy, as its lubricating and moisturizing nature, helps loosen hardened wax and get rid of it.
Not all home remedies might be beneficial for your child. So it is recommended that before trying out any home remedy, you consult your baby's paediatrician and get a quick confirmation from him if you can try out any remedy.
Precautions to Take While Cleaning Your Baby's Ears
As simple as it may sound, cleaning baby ears is not an easy task and the slightest mistake can cause your baby intense pain. Here are some do's and don'ts you should follow while cleaning your baby's ears.
Do’s
Make sure your baby is calm and engaged
Use a clean washcloth
Consult a doctor if the wax build-up is excessive
Don’ts
Don't use any pointed objects inside the ears
Avoid inserting cotton swabs or earbuds
Don't use cold water to drain out the excess earwax
Don't spray water or any liquid inside the ear with force
Do not clean your ears too often or too hard
When to Visit a Doctor
Take your baby to a paediatrician when there is an excessive build-up of earwax in your baby's ears and you are unable to remove the wax with the remedies mentioned above. Also, if there are symptoms of infection such as drainage of milky fluid, ear pain, fever, or even hearing loss after removal of wax, check with your baby's doctor at the earliest.
Baby earwax is not harmful unless it collects in abnormal quantities or gets infected. Choosing safe and careful measures to clean your baby's ears will prove to be beneficial. However, if they don't work and you notice anything out of the ordinary with regards to your baby's health, check with your baby's paediatrician.
Also Read:
Using Mineral Oil for Babies - Is It Safe?
Should You Overfeed a Baby?
Baby’s Weight Loss after Delivery
Silent Reflux in Babies Read more
Suggested for you
Is Eating Capsicum during Pregnancy Safe?
You must be aware of the benefits of eating green capsicum during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, including capsicum in your diet would be a great way to maintain your health throughout the nine months of pregnancy. To know the benefits of eating capsicum during pregnancy, read this article.
Can You Eat Capsicum during Pregnancy?
Capsicum is a healthy vegetable that you can consume at any point in life. Of course, you can eat capsicum during pregnancy, as it has tons of benefits, however, eat it in the right form and quantity. Don't eat too much.
Nutritional Value of Capsicum
Capsicum is generally used in our cuisine for elevating the flavour or enhancing the visual appeal of the palate. But it has a lot more to it. Capsicum contains provide us with a wide range of vitamins and minerals that are necessary for our body. The nutritional constitution in 100g of capsicum is distributed as follows.
Nutrient
Value
Choline
5.5 mg
Phytosterols
9 mg
Betaine
0.1 mg
Vitamin B12
0.0 mcg
Selenium
0.1 mcg
Copper
65 mcg
Fluoride
2.1 mcg
Zinc
0.15 mg
Phosphorous
20 mg
Manganese
122 mcg
Magnesium
10 mg
Iron
350 mcg
Calcium
10 mg
Sodium
3 mg
Potassium
174 mg
Vitamin K
7.4 mcg
Vitamin E
0.4 mg
Vitamin C
80.4 mg
Vitamin A
370 IU
Folates
10 mcg
Vitamin B6
0.2 mg
Pantothenic acid
0.1 mcg
Niacin
0.5 mg
Riboflavin
0.0 mg
Thiamine
0.1 mg
Proteins
0.9 gm
Omega-3 acids
8 mg
Omega- 6 acids
54 mg
Saturated fats
0.1 gms
Fibre
1.7 g
Sugar
2.4 g
Carbohydrates
4.6 g
Starch
0.0 gms
Source: https://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/vegetables-and-vegetable-products/2536/2
Benefits of Eating Capsicum during Pregnancy
Capsicums are available in multiple colours and each type has a specific benefit to offer during pregnancy.
1. Red Capsicum
Eating red capsicum during pregnancy is beneficial massively since it contains cancer prevention properties due to the presence of lycopene antioxidants within it.
2. Green Capsicum
Green capsicum is highly recommended for women due to the presence of natural silicon in it, which keeps nail and hair healthy during pregnancy.
3. Yellow Capsicum
The presence of lutein zeaxanthin is quite high in yellow capsicum. It helps in combating free radicals and boosting the immune system during pregnancy.
Side Effects of Excessive Consumption of Capsicum while Pregnant
Although eating capsicum is beneficial during pregnancy, in certain conditions eating it may prove harmful for the mother-to-be and the baby.
Capsicum contains numerous seeds in it, which have a strong tendency of triggering allergies in a person who already suffers from them. These can result in rashes on your body or sneezing cycles, which may not be safe during pregnancy. Similarly, consuming a lot of capsicum can upset the internal balance of the stomach, causing frequent stools or indigestion, too.
Mothers are strongly advised to stay away from capsicum while breastfeeding since it can make the breastmilk spicy for the child. Similarly, it is best to stop eating capsicum a couple of weeks prior to delivery, since it can cause thinning of the blood and result in excessive bleeding during childbirth.
How to Choose a Right Capsicum & How to Store It
When purchasing capsicum from the market, opt for ones that are firm, with an evenly coloured skin that is smooth and spotless. Stay away from capsicums that look dry or wrinkled. Make sure you wash them before use or storage and use them as freshly as possible.
Capsicum Recipes for Pregnant Women
Capsicum can be consumed in a number of ways during pregnancy and in general as well. Here are a couple of recipes that can help you taste capsicum in all its glory.
1. Capsicum Gravy
Capsicum has a wonderful taste when it is consumed in a dry vegetable preparation. This gravy recipe will help you make the best of it in an easy way.
Ingredients
Fennel seeds
Poppy seeds
Cashew nuts
Turmeric
Garam masala
Ginger garlic paste
Coriander powder
Chilli powder
Curd
Capsicums
Onions
Tomatoes
How To Prepare
Take the fennel and poppy seeds along with the cashew nuts and blend them together properly.
Take some oil in a pan. Heat it up and add garam masala.
Later add chopped capsicums and onions to the pan and stir them.
Once the capsicums and onions are fried properly, add ginger garlic paste to the pan and mix them all properly.
Finally, pour in the tomato puree and stir the entire mixture together.
Allow the entire preparation to cook in the pan for 3-5 minutes. Once done, pour some water into it.
Add rest of the spices, cashew paste, salt and other condiments, if required.
Mix them all together, stirring it properly. Let this cook again for around 15 minutes or so.
Once the gravy is prepared and oil separates, turn off the flame. Serve the gravy with roti and rice.
2. Capsicum Masala
While a dry capsicum vegetable gravy has its own fun, the real finger-licking experience stems from a wonderful preparation of capsicum masala that can truly tickle the taste buds in your pregnancy.
Ingredients
Oil
Cumin seeds
Turmeric
Red chilli powder
Green chillies
Tomatoes
Capsicums
Coconut
How To Prepare
Take some oil in a pan and allow it to heat well.
Add green chillies to it and cook until their colour changes.
Later add chilli powder, cumin seeds, turmeric, and stir well.
In this mixture, add chopped capsicum and fry. Then add chopped tomatoes, salt, and stir well.
Let it cook for a while. Add more condiments as required.
You can add grated coconut if you want.
Later, add some water and bring the mixture to a boil.
Let the oil separate from the masala. Once that happens, turn off the flame and serve.
Consuming bell pepper and other vegetables during pregnancy has a ton of advantages for the mother-to-be as well as for the growing baby. Balancing that intake with a diet that provides all-around nutrition can help you stay in the pink of health throughout.
Also Read: Healthy Food Recipes for Pregnant Women Read more
Check out this new Memory
Anjali Das
Mom of a 11 m old girl
3 mins ago
1 Likes
0 Comment
Suggested for you
Suggested for you
Suggested for you
5 Times When your Man Needs you The Most
The relationship between husband and wife really gets tested during life's downs. You must support your husband when he needs you the most. Be there for him to get him back up!
Men and women are from different planets. Well, at least that’s how it seems to be sometimes! They argue about many things yet yearn for each other. While men are believed to have better emotional control, this does not mean they don’t desire love and support, especially from their better halves.
Finding out the Hard Times When your Husband Needs your Support
1. When he’s fighting job blues
It may come across as odd, but your husband needs a lot of your support in matters regarding his job. He might be thinking of switching jobs, or maybe he’s going through a tough time trying to find one. He needs your cooperation in both cases. Be strong for him and try to get along with him even if he’s moody and difficult. He’ll soon come around.
2. When he’s feeling unsure
Support means much more than a few words of love; it’s the basis of a solid relationship. Unless you can empathise with each other and try to see things from the other’s perspective, you won’t get along. Women, being emotional souls, can try to figure out when their husbands are upset. Maybe he’s had an argument with his best friend or maybe the unpredictable future haunts him. Helping your husband in tough times just by being someone he can talk to can mean the world to him.
3. When it’s about his relatives
Your husband wants you to respect his mother and father just like you want him to respect yours. Take the initiative and suggest gifts to give them on their birthdays and anniversaries. Welcome them to your home. Even if you don’t get along as well as you hope, do make an effort.
4. When he’s ill
There will be times when you have to attend to your husband when he’s sick. You could make him his favourite soup and make sure he takes his medicines. Use the opportunity to pamper him a little. Men love that! It’s the perfect way to support your husband.
5. Sometimes you don’t need a reason!
Why should there always be a reason for some extra love? Do remember to give him a good dose of appreciation every now and then. Praise him in front of the kids and never forget to raise a toast when he gets a promotion. He needs your acknowledgement just like you need his.
In bad times, your man turns to you although he might be unable to say it. Since men aren’t that vocal about their wants, it’s up to you to figure out when he needs you the most. Remind him that you’re there for him through thick and thin, just like he is for you. Read more
Suggested for you
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
5 hours ago
Q. My son is 5 months old is suffering from cough..what to do?
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
3 hours ago
A. give nasal saline drops every few hourly to the child in the nasal cavity.
try to prevent temperature variations around the child
you can go for indirect steam inhalation which will again help in decreasing both cough and cold
continue the regular diet of the child
if there is no improvement in few days then meet your doctoru
for fever and pain give paracetamol.u
anti-cold medicines at this age have got side effects so can be given only after medical consultation.
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
4 hours ago
Q. hi. in Feb my period was last and I did pregnancy test in March its positive results but my belly is not being bigger
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
4 mins ago
A. the belly size during pregnancy is not necessary every time to grow fast
it depends individually
so don't worry about that and just have proper consultation with your doctor for examination and sonography
Humara has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. I am 7 weeks pregnant. Before pregnancy I used to take medicine named Cyra 20 mg for acidity. Now since the day when I got to know that I am pregnant I am not taking any medicine for acidity but daily I am suffering from it. After having breakfast it starts. I am not eating any spicy food , oily food etc. Please help on this
Read moreHumara
Mom of a 2 m old girl
32 mins ago
A. dear mom u can take digene syrup or ulgel they as safe my doctor recommended me during pregnancy u can also take biorab dsr in the morning and syrup before meal at least 30 min i was faciny the same issue
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Mom of a 1 yr 9 m old child
1 hour ago
Q. hi mam , my baby 1 year and 9 month old just now onwards stop breast feeding .pls suggest formula milk to my baby
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. your baby is more than 1 year 9 months of age any milk including buffalo milk cows milk ok. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
1 hour ago
Q. #AskTheExpert hello dr.
baby planning kar rhi kuch tips btayiye conceive ho jaye
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. it's a natural process ok. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 mins ago
Q. when baby is kick? I'm 13 weeks pregnant
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
2 mins ago
A. during first pregnancy you may feel the baby movements after 24 to 25 weeks of pregnancy and till then only mild flatters may be felt but which you may not be feeling if you are doing some work
Check out this new Memory
Haritha
Mom of a 1 yr 8 m old boy
New Memory
#stylishbaby
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
aditya p bhati
Mom of a 2 m old girl
1 min ago
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Nitesh dey
Father of a 4 m old girl
2 mins ago
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Lalit Aphale
Father of a 5 m old boy
5 mins ago
#babyphotochallenge
0 Likes
0 Comment
Tell us more about yourself get More Personalised
- Infant0 to 6 Months
- Baby6 Months to 2 Yrs
- Toddler2 to 4 yrs
- Kids4-6 yrs
- Big Kids6+ yrs
- Expecting
- Trying to Conceive