If your baby keeps pulling both ears, especially with teething, crying, rubbing, or nighttime fussiness, it can be hard to tell what is normal and what needs attention. Answer a few questions to understand common causes and what steps may help next.
Tell us what you’re noticing about your baby pulling both ears so we can guide you through likely reasons, teething patterns, and signs that may need follow-up.
Baby pulling both ears can happen for a few different reasons. Many babies tug or rub both ears during teething because jaw pressure and gum discomfort can seem to spread toward the ears. Some babies also pull both ears when they are tired, self-soothing, or exploring their body. In other cases, ear pulling with crying, fever, poor sleep, or feeding changes may point to irritation or an ear problem. Looking at the full pattern matters more than the ear pulling alone.
This is a common search for a reason. Teething can cause babies to rub their face, chew more, drool, and pull both ears at the same time.
If ear tugging comes with crying, fussiness, or trouble settling, it helps to look at timing, sleep, feeding, and whether symptoms are getting worse.
Nighttime ear pulling may show up when babies are overtired, uncomfortable from teething, or more aware of pressure when lying down.
Watch for drooling, chewing, swollen gums, and a need to bite or rub the mouth along with baby tugging both ears.
Notice whether your infant pulling both ears also seems more clingy, fussy, hard to settle, or less interested in feeding.
Ear pulling matters more when it happens with fever, drainage, strong crying, or a sudden change in sleep and comfort.
Why is my baby pulling both ears? Sometimes it is mild and repetitive without being serious. But if your baby is rubbing and pulling both ears with persistent crying, seems in pain, has a fever, or is waking much more than usual, it is worth taking a closer look. The goal is not to jump to worst-case conclusions, but to sort out whether this sounds more like teething, self-soothing, or something that should be checked.
We focus on the details parents actually notice, like baby pulling both ears while teething, during crying, or mostly at night.
You’ll get personalized guidance based on symptoms and timing, not vague one-size-fits-all advice.
The assessment helps you understand when home comfort measures may be enough and when it may be time to seek medical advice.
No. Babies may pull both ears during teething, when tired, while self-soothing, or simply while exploring. Ear pulling alone does not confirm an ear infection.
Yes. Baby pulling both ears and teething often happen together because gum and jaw discomfort can be felt near the ears. Look for drooling, chewing, and swollen gums too.
Crying with ear pulling can happen with teething discomfort, overtiredness, or ear irritation. It is more important to pay attention if the crying is intense, persistent, or comes with fever or feeding changes.
Nighttime ear pulling may happen when babies are more uncomfortable from teething or pressure while lying down. If it keeps happening with poor sleep, fussiness, or other symptoms, it helps to review the full pattern.
Pulling both ears is often linked to teething, tiredness, or general discomfort rather than a problem in one specific ear. Still, the surrounding symptoms matter most.
Answer a few questions for an assessment tailored to baby pulling both ears, including teething signs, crying, rubbing, and nighttime symptoms.
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