Tips For Parents: Preparing If Your Child is Getting Ear Tubes
As a pediatrician and mom, I understand the anxiety that comes with your child needing any medical procedure, even a common one like ear tube surgery. When one of our community members shared their nervousness about their child's upcoming ear tube procedure, so many parents jumped in with their experiences and advice. I wanted to compile these practical tips to help any parent whose child is scheduled for ear tube surgery.
Understanding Ear Tube Surgery
Ear tube surgery (myringotomy with tube insertion) is one of the most common childhood surgeries. The procedure involves placing small tubes in your child's eardrums to allow air into the middle ear and prevent fluid buildup, which can cause repeated ear infections and potential hearing issues. While it's a routine procedure that typically takes just 10-15 minutes, it's completely normal to feel anxious about your little one going under anesthesia.
Before the Surgery: What to Pack
Bring Snacks
Be prepared to feed immediately upon waking from surgery
Pack bland snacks like puffs and crackers (plus water) for after the procedure
Have breast milk or formula ready if your child is still nursing or bottle-feeding
Bring a water bottle for when they wake up
During Surgery: What to Expect with Anesthesia
Many parents find that the anesthesia part causes the most worry, but here's what our community shared about their experiences:
The first hour after anesthesia can be challenging, but it gets better quickly
Extra sleep and snuggles are common right after the procedure
Children often bounce back surprisingly fast - many parents reported their little ones were "like nothing happened" after the initial recovery
Some children are very sleepy afterward, while others wake up and are fine almost immediately
Be prepared for some grogginess, but know it typically passes quickly
After the Surgery: Recovery Tips
Immediate Aftercare
Provide lots of snuggles and comfort nursing/feeding
Keep on a pain relief schedule (like Motrin) for the first 24-48 hours
Create a quiet environment for a couple of days - your child's hearing may be more sensitive as their ears adjust
Keep your child home from daycare/school for a few days to recover and avoid overwhelming noise
Comfort Measures
Offer Pedialyte popsicles to distract from any discomfort
Treat your child to something special like a milkshake and a day of cuddles/movies
Have unlimited popsicles and ice cream available (this is doctor-approved just this once!)
Don't worry too much about normal eating/sleeping routines that first day - within a few days, most children return to their usual patterns and often feel better than before
Ear Drops Management
Warm the ear drops before administering (they can cause discharge during the first week)
Make it fun: let your child "practice" by pretending to put drops in your ears first
Keep drops in a warm spot (pocket, under a book, etc.) for at least 30 minutes before giving
The Silver Lining
The most reassuring feedback I heard from our community was how many parents noticed significant positive changes after their children recovered. Many reported that their children seemed happier, more verbal, and better able to engage once their ear issues were resolved. While the surgery day itself can be stressful, the long-term benefits of improved hearing and fewer infections make a tremendous difference in many children's quality of life.
And Just Remember…
Remember that children are incredibly resilient. While this surgery feels big to us as parents, most children move through it with remarkable ease. Focus on comfort, extra love, and a calm environment, and you'll likely be surprised at how quickly your little one bounces back.
If you have specific concerns about your child's upcoming procedure, always reach out to your pediatrician or ENT specialist with questions. And remember, our Resilient Rascals community is here to support you through every step of your parenting journey.
Sending you a big hug,
Anjuli
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not replace the specific instructions provided by your child's surgeon or healthcare provider. Always follow the post-operative care instructions given by your medical team.