2. Avoid pacifiers after three months of age. There is scientific data to suggest this is a risk factor.

3. Don't smoke. Smoke is a respiratory irritant that makes the eustachian tubes swell and not function appropriately in both the smoker and household members exposed to them. 4. Infection control during the cold and flu season. Good handwashing and flu shots for the whole family are helpful. Getting the PREVNAR vaccine (pneumococcal) may help limit the number of ear infections as well.

5. Reconsider your child care options. Kids in daycare settings get more viral upper respiratory infections (colds) which lead to the ear infections. They also get more ear infections caused by drug-resistant bugs.