Health Tip: Reducing Your Child's Risk of Ear Infections

Ear infections are common in children, but there are things parents can do to help reduce a child's risk.

The New York State Department of Health offers these suggestions:

• Breast-feeding, if a viable option, may reduce the risk of ear infections.
• Do not let a child under age 2 lie flat while drinking from a bottle.
• Never allow anyone to smoke around children, and avoid exposing the child to wood smoke.
• If your child is in day care, work with the staff to promote cleanliness and hygiene.