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You should only ever clean the outer, visible part of a baby's ear - never inside the ear canal. Earwax is self-cleaning and protective, and pushing a cotton bud into the canal can force wax deeper or injure the delicate eardrum. After a bath, gently wipe the outer ear and behind it with a soft damp cloth, and dry it well.
⚠️ Caution:Never push cotton buds or objects into the ear canal - it can pack wax deeper or damage the eardrum. See a doctor if you notice ear discharge, a foul smell, bleeding, swelling, or if your baby is in pain, tugging the ear with a fever, or seems not to respond to sound. Do not attempt to remove deep wax yourself.
Parents assume ears need regular deep cleaning and reach for cotton buds. The consistent guidance is the opposite: only wipe the outer ear, leave the canal alone, and let wax clear naturally - deep cleaning does more harm than good.
Here's what moms in our community shared based on their own experience.
Wipe just the outside part of the ear using a cotton bud after a head bath. Do not put it anywhere near the ear-drum area or inside the canal - only the outer folds you can see.
I use a soft damp cloth or cotton to clean behind and around the outer ear after bath, then dry it properly. I never go inside - the wax comes out on its own.
The information shared on this page comes from real experiences of mothers in our community. While we strive to provide helpful insights, this content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your pediatrician, healthcare provider, or other qualified medical professional for any questions regarding your child's health or development.
Last reviewed: August 14, 2026
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