Medical Health Encyclopedia

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

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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.