When it comes to little ones, ear care often feels like a daunting task. Parents want to do what’s best, but navigating conflicting advice and outdated methods can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together this helpful resource for the best way to clean toddlers ears, keeping things simple, safe and stress-free.
Why Toddler Ear Care Is Important
Toddlers are naturally curious — they get messy, explore the world with all five senses and occasionally end up with sticky ears from playtime. Our ears are self-cleaning, to a degree, and too much intervention can cause more harm than good. In fact, using cotton buds or poking inside the ear canal can push wax deeper and risk irritation or even damage. 1
So, what’s the best way to clean toddlers ears? It all comes down to gentle, natural support that helps the ears do what they’re meant to, without unnecessary interference.
Understanding Earwax: A Helpful Protector
Earwax (or cerumen) has an important job: it traps dust, dirt and bacteria, keeping the ear canal clean and lubricated. In toddlers, it’s common to see a build-up near the outer ear, which might look worrying but is usually no cause for alarm. 2
Rather than trying to dig it out, one of the best ways to clean toddlers ears is to soften the wax using Earol®’s naturally-based formula. This prevents blockages, reduces the temptation to use cotton buds and helps maintain healthy ears as they grow.
Gentle Care From 6 Months With Baby Earol®
For babies and toddlers aged 6 months and up, Baby Earol® offers a safe and clinically supported solution to support ear hygiene. It contains pharmaceutical-grade olive oil, applied via a metered-dose spray to soften and loosen wax without the mess and stress of traditional drops.
This makes it a great choice for busy, health conscious parents. It’s quick, easy and mess-free, making the best way to clean toddlers ears part of a simple bedtime or bath routine.
Olive Oil Spray From 12 Months On
Once your child is 12 months or older, you can also use Earol® Olive Oil Spray. While it works in a similar way to Baby Earol® — using a precise applicator to avoid overuse or dripping — this version is designed for older children and adults, offering a slightly stronger spray to support more developed ear canals. This naturally-based, non-medicated solution helps prevent wax build-up and makes future wax removal easier, if needed by a healthcare professional.
Using Earol® olive oil spray regularly can reduce discomfort, maintain moisture in the ear canal and reinforce good ear care habits. It’s still the best way to clean toddlers ears as they transition through early childhood.
Don’t Forget Your EarolSwim® For Water Protection
If your toddler loves splashing in the pool or at the beach, EarolSwim® is a smart addition to your family’s travel bag. Suitable from 12 months, this unique spray forms a water-repellent barrier inside the ear canal, helping to reduce the risk of trapped water, which may lead to infections such as Otitis Externa.
Keeping ears dry is an important part of toddler ear care and makes EarolSwim® an excellent companion for the best way to clean toddlers ears.
Golden Rules For The Best Way To Clean Toddlers Ears
- Never insert cotton buds into the ear canal.
- Clean only the outer ear with a soft cloth.
- Use Baby Earol® to support wax management.
- Protect ears during water activities.
- Speak to a healthcare professional if your child is experiencing discomfort, discharge or hearing issues. 3
Supporting Ear Health – The Right Way
Advice from our earcare specialists states that the best way to clean toddlers ears doesn’t involve poking, prodding or worrying — just gentle, natural care with trusted products designed for small ears. Baby Earol®, Earol® Olive Oil Spray and EarolSwim® all offer peace of mind, helping you support your child’s ear health from the very start.
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- https://www.nhsinform.scot
- https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/ear-problems-in-children#:~:text=Babies%20and%20young%20children%20are%20more%20likely%20to%20develop%20middle,the%20Eustachian%20tube%2C%20is%20mature
- Earwax build-up, NHS inform [Internet] 23 March 23, accessed 24 May 23 at https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/ears-nose-and-throat/earwax-build-up
