Hello!

My 9 month old son is always tugging at his right ear. So much so, it irritates the skin behind his ear sometimes. It started just before his first teeth came through at 4.5 months. Then it stopped for a while. He now has 8 teeth (4 bottom & 4 top, all front) but he continues to do this. At first I thought it was developing into his “I’m tired” signal but he has been known to do it as soon as he wakes up after a full nights sleep. He isn’t showing signs of illness, increased temp or ear infections either. Could it possibly be more teeth? Why is my baby tugging at his ear?

Posted by anon, 30/08/13

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  • Could be teeth indeed.
    But if your baby or young child is pulling at their ears, it might also be a sign that they’re tired or that their ears are blocked with ear wax. Ear pulling or tugging can also sometimes be a sign of a middle ear infection or external ear infection.


  • My guess would be teething or tired.


  • Both of my kids did it when they were feeling tired


  • Could be teeth, could be an ear infection. It may just be a habit, or a comfort thing.


  • Could be the teeth or an ear infection or comfort. I would check with you dr


  • my 3 yr old still does it, when he is tired. though he does get cracked ears/excema


  • Pain in the mouth ear nose and throat can be all connected. I myself tug on my ear when my throat is itchy. But yes could be more teeth


  • Hopefully you have the sorted now and he has stopped


  • if it’s not a sore ear then he’s teething


  • Ear infection? Or water in ear?


  • Take to gp incase ear infection or water in his ear. Becareful when bathing not to get water in them. You may need to buy some ear plugs for bathing and swimming.


  • Double check he doesn’t have an ear infection.


  • It would be best to go to your dr so they can have a look


  • Have a Dr check the ear.. But teeth are pretty much non stop until about 14months..


  • I would get the dr to check inside his ear just incase, it could be just a habit though


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