rubbing/flicking ear

JJ1973

Does this always mean ear infection? My LO has recently started doing this around bedtime and sometimes during the day, just with his left ear. It usually happens when he is sleepy, but I'm not sure if I should get it checked out. No other illness symptoms.

kg_08

Is teething a possibility? DD has been doing that too lately, scratching and screaming actually. We had one of DH's coworkers (ER nurse) take a look and she said it didn't look like there was an infection. Sometimes the pain from teeth can radiate to the ear.

ckerr1

Ear infections usually follow a cold from what I have read.  DD plays with her ear a lot too, especially around bed-time.  She also played with it a lot when she was teething.  I think it can be a bed-time comfort thing and I know its also and teething symptom.  I also read on the Dr. Sears website that most ear tugging and pulling does not mean ear infection.  I would say if your LO gets any other symptoms get him checked out but otherwise its probably nothing to worry about.  GL

ashnoelle

Sophia started doing this with no other signs of an ear infection too. I just kept watching her for a few days and I realized that she must have just "found" her ears. She still plays with them a lot. 

Shoshi10

DD does this when she is tired or cranky.

Leggy

DS does this too - I read in the Baby Whisperer book that it's a tired reflex they have. I use it as a cue to start nap/bed time.