Ear Infections - Prevention

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The recommended schedule of immunization is four doses, given at 2, 4, 6, and 12 to 15 months of age. Infants starting immunization between 7 and 11 months should have three doses. (Parents should be sure their infants receive their second and third doses by 6 months in order to achieve on-going protection from ear infections.) Children starting their vaccinations between 12 and 23 months only need two doses. Those who are over 2 years old need only one dose.

Dietary Factors and Supplements

Healthy Diet. Daily diets should include foods such as fresh, dark-colored fruits and vegetables, which are rich in antioxidants and other important food chemicals that help boost the immune system.

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Foods Containing Lactobaccilli (Good Bacteria). Researchers are studying the possible protective value of certain strains of lactobacilli, bacteria found in the intestines. Some of these strains, particularly acidophilus, are used to make yogurt. In one study,  milk containing the strain lactobacilli GG reduced respiratory infections in children who attended day care by 10 - 20%.

Xylitol. Xylitol, a sugar alcohol produced naturally in birch, strawberries, and raspberries, has properties that fight Streptococcal pneumonia bacteria. Studies have reported that children who chew gum or swallow a syrup containing xylitol experience fewer ear infections.

Avoiding Exposure to Cigarette Smoke

Parents or others should not smoke around children. Several studies have found that children who live with smokers have a significant risk for ear infections.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding offers protection against many early infections, including ear infections. Mother's milk provides immune factors that help protect the child from infections. Also, infants are held during breastfeeding in a position that allows the Eustachian tubes to function well. If possible, new mothers should breastfeed their infants for at least 6 months. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, exclusively breastfeeding for a baby’s first 6 months helps to prevent ear and other respiratory infections. For bottle-fed babies, to improve protection mothers should not lay babies down with their bottle; they should hold the infants in the same way they would to breastfeed them.

Review Date: 03/02/2006
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital