Preventing ear infections

They may be a common part of childhood, but here are some strategies to help avoid them:

Breastfeed your baby. Nursing for six to 12 months significantly lowers the risk of infection. If you are bottle feeding, hold babies in a more upright position and don't put them to bed with a bottle.

Avoid cigarette smoke. Children exposed to secondhand smoke are twice as likely to suffer from chronic ear infections.

Keep up on immunizations. That includes vaccinations against flu and pneumonia, which prevent respiratory illnesses that can lead to ear infections.

Guard against illness. Colds cause clogged nasal passages, which can lead to clogged ear tubes.

Control allergens at home. Dust and vacuum-clean regularly and get an allergy test if your child seems sensitive to certain foods.

Eat healthful foods. Fruits and vegetables will boost a child's immune system to help fight off germs.

Consider preventive medicine. If your child is prone to ear infections, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics at the first sign of cold symptoms -- or even put a child on a low daily dose of antibiotics throughout the winter. The risk, however, is increased resistance to antibiotics.

Talk about surgery. Small, temporary ear tubes can help drain fluid that serves as a breeding ground for bacteria.