How can I help my child who has persistent middle ear fluid?

These suggestions will help all children stay healthy. They may be especially important for children who tend to get ear infections and ear fluid.

• Wash child and adult hands after blowing noses or going to the bathroom. This will fight the spread of germs.
• Clean toys that have been in a child’s mouth before another child plays with them.
• Follow directions for giving medicine so that it is given on time and for the entire time that is recommended.
• If possible, breastfeed for at least the first four to six months of life to reduce the chance of otitis media.
• Bottle-feed in an upright or slightly leaning position. Cuddle the child in your lap with his head raised up. A child should not be put to bed with a bottle. A bottle should not be propped in bed. Those practices may cause the liquid from the bottle to go up a small tube leading to the middle ear, causing middle ear fluid.
• Keep children away from smoke. Cigarette smoke increases a child’s chance of middle ear disease.
• If possible, put children in small rather than large groups of children. Colds pass more easily in large groups, and colds in young children can lead to middle ear fluid.