Babies are adorable creatures, but they can be quite mysterious at times. One of the common things that parents often notice is their baby grabbing their ear. This action can leave parents wondering what is going on with their child. In this article, we will discuss the possible reasons why babies grab their ear.
A quick note: This article is for general information and isn’t medical advice. Every baby grows and develops at their own pace. Talk to your paediatrician or doctor about your own situation, and get urgent medical help if something feels wrong. Read our disclaimer.
Last reviewed: November 2026. Checked against guidance from the NHS. See sources.
1. Teething
Teething is a process where the baby’s teeth start to emerge from the gums. During this time, babies can experience discomfort in their gums, jaw, and ears. This discomfort can cause them to grab their ear to try and alleviate the pain. The NHS lists rubbing the ear among common teething signs, along with dribbling, a flushed cheek and gnawing on things. Most babies start teething at around 6 months (NHS). The NHS says teething can bring a mildly raised temperature below 38°C, so a temperature of 38°C or more is worth checking with your doctor.
2. Ear Infections
Ear infections are common among babies, and they can cause a lot of discomfort. Babies and young children with an ear infection may rub or pull their ear, not react to some sounds, be irritable or restless, or go off their food. Most ear infections get better on their own within about 3 days (NHS). Ear infections can cause a lot of pain and discomfort, and if you notice that your baby is constantly grabbing their ear, it’s important to take them to the doctor to get checked out.
3. Exploration
Babies are curious creatures, and they love to explore their surroundings. Sometimes, babies will grab their ear simply because they are exploring their body. They might be fascinated by the way their ear feels, or they might be experimenting with how their hand movements affect their body.
4. Comfort
Some babies find comfort in grabbing their ear. It might be a soothing gesture that helps them feel secure and safe. If your baby is grabbing their ear and seems content, it’s likely that they are using it as a way to comfort themselves.
5. Communication
Babies use a variety of gestures and sounds to communicate with their parents. Grabbing their ear can be a way for babies to indicate that they want something, or that they are feeling a certain way. For example, if your baby is hungry or tired, they might grab their ear to let you know that they need something.
When to See a Doctor
Ear pulling on its own is usually harmless. Call your doctor if it comes with any of these:
- Fever (in babies under 3 months, a temperature of 38°C / 100.4°F or higher needs urgent medical advice; for babies aged 3 to 6 months, 39°C or higher (NHS))
- Crying that won’t settle, especially when lying down
- Fluid, pus or blood coming from the ear
- Trouble sleeping or feeding, or unusual irritability
- Swelling or redness behind the ear
- Not responding to sounds as usual
- Your baby is under 12 months old and seems to have an ear infection, or has earache in both ears, or seems generally unwell (NHS)
In conclusion, there are several possible reasons why babies grab their ear. While it can be concerning for parents, it’s important to remember that it’s a common behavior among babies. However, if your baby is constantly grabbing their ear and seems to be in pain, it’s important to take them to the doctor to get checked out.
Sources
We checked this article against these official and expert sources. Links were checked on 1 November 2026.
Last reviewed: November 2026. This article is for general information and isn’t medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about your own situation.
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