Many parents panic when they see their baby pulling, tugging, or rubbing their ears. It’s one of those symptoms that instantly raises the fear of an ear infection.
In most cases, especially during teething, ear pulling is completely normal. Babies often feel discomfort in the jaw and gums that radiates toward the ears, which makes them tug or rub the area.
In my experience as a primary health care nurse, this is one of the most common concerns parents bring into the clinic. The good news is that most babies who are teething and pulling their ears are not sick.
What does it mean when a baby pulls their ears while teething?
Ear pulling during teething is usually due to referred pain. The nerves in the gums, jaw, and ears are closely connected, so when teeth are pushing through the gums, the discomfort can be felt near the ears.
Some babies also discover their ears around the same age they start teething and may pull them out of curiosity or as a self-soothing habit.
Is ear-pulling normal during teething?
Yes, it is very common and usually not a sign of illness.
Ear pulling is considered normal when your baby
- Is otherwise happy and alert
- Is feeding reasonably well
- Has no fever
- Has no ear discharge
Teething babies may also show other signs such as drooling, chewing on objects, mild irritability, and swollen gums.
Why babies pull their ears while teething
There are a few simple reasons:
The most common reason is referred discomfort from teething. The pain from erupting teeth can be felt in nearby areas such as the cheeks and ears.
Babies may also:
- Soothe themselves when tired
- Explore their body
- React to mild gum pressure
- Develop temporary habits during teething phases
Teething vs ear infection: how to tell the difference
This is where most parents get anxious, and rightly so. Ear infections and teething symptoms can look similar.
It is more likely to be teething if:
- Mild ear pulling
- Drooling and chewing
- Slight irritability
- No fever or very low-grade temperature
- Baby is still feeding
It is more likely an ear infection if:
- High fever (above 38°C)
- Persistent crying or severe irritability
- Poor feeding or refusing feeds
- Trouble sleeping, especially lying flat
- Fluid or discharge from the ear
- The baby seems generally unwell
In the clinic, I always remind parents that teething does not usually make a baby very sick or cause a high fever.
Other possible reasons for ear pulling
Not every case is teething.
Babies may pull their ears due to:
- Tiredness or self-soothing before sleep
- Earwax buildup is causing mild irritation
- Skin dryness or eczema around the ear
- Hair wrapped around the ear (rare but important to check)
- Ear infection
What you can do at home
If your baby is teething and pulling their ears, you can help them feel more comfortable by:
- Offering a chilled teething ring (not frozen)
- Letting them chew a clean, cool cloth
- Gently massaging their gums with a clean finger
- Giving extra cuddles and comfort
- Continuing normal feeding routines
If your baby seems in pain, speak to your healthcare provider about age-appropriate pain relief such as paracetamol.
Avoid teething necklaces, gels with unknown ingredients, or anything that could pose a choking risk.
When should you worry?
You should seek medical advice if your baby:
- Has a fever above 38°C
- Is not feeding well
- Has fluid or pus coming from the ear
- Is unusually sleepy or difficult to wake
- Has persistent crying or severe irritability
- Has symptoms lasting more than a few days
- Seems generally unwell
These signs may suggest an ear infection or another condition that needs treatment.
Can teething cause ear infections?
No, teething does not cause ear infections. However, the timing often overlaps, which can confuse parents.
A baby can be teething and have an ear infection at the same time, but one does not cause the other.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my baby pull their ears but have no fever?
This is usually due to teething, tiredness, or self-soothing behaviour.
Is it normal for babies to pull one ear more than the other?
Yes. Some babies favour one side due to comfort, habit, or uneven teething discomfort.
How long does ear pulling last during teething?
It can come and go over several days or weeks as teeth break through.
Should I worry if my baby pulls their ears at night?
Many babies rub or pull their ears when tired or teething
Not usually. Many babies self-soothe by rubbing or pulling their ears when tired.
A note from a nurse
After more than a decade in primary health care, I’ve learned that ear pulling is one of those symptoms that worries parents far more than it harms babies.
Most of the time, it is simply part of teething or normal development. But you know your baby best. If they seem different or unwell, or if something doesn’t feel right, it’s always worth having them checked.
If you found this post helpful, you might also like:
TEETHING IN BABIES: SYMPTOMS – WHAT’S NORMAL VS NOT
Teething and Breastfeeding: Why Babies Bite, Feed Less, and Refuse the Breast
Can Teething Cause Fever? What Parents Need to Know
Nurse K is a practising PHC nurse in South Africa. She writes anonymously to help busy mums raise healthy little ones. Real advice. No jargon. No judgement.
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Last Updated: March 2026