Is my baby teething or ear infection?

Question

Baby digging and picking at her one ear. Ear infection? No other symptoms. Teething? No teeth yet. Happy as can be. No fever. Doesn't bother her to suck on bottle or pacifier.

Answer 1

Oh my son does that too! But its not an ear infection OR teething!

When he was first born, whenever I'd nurse him, I would also rub his hair behind his ear at the same time to comfort him. Ever since then, whenever he's upset, he'll rub behind his own ear to try to comfort himself -- and if he's REALLY upset, he'll forcefully dig at his ear to try to comfort himself even more.

Its absolutely adorable! But my point is.. just because your daughter is rubbing or 'picking' at her ear doesn't mean she's hurt. It could be her way of coping or comforting, it could just give her something to do or somewhere to grab, it could be because something is loud (a tv, someone talking, etc) --- it could be MANY reasons why.

If she starts running a fever or doesn't want to eat, then it could be an infection or teething. Until then, don't worry over it!

Good luck <3

Answer 2

Just watch her - babies can have an ear infection and have no other symptoms such as a fever.  If she is tugging at her ear for a few days, call your family doctor and bring her in so they can simply look in her ear.  I just did this and my daughter was fine...but I felt better having a professional take a look.  The doctor also said that my daughter could have some ear wax in the ear canal and she was playing with her ear b/c she felt it?  Just monitor her!

Answer 3

I think as long as there are no symptoms then the baby probably just found something to do.  Keep a eye on him or her, but I think it will be ok.