Children can practice several habits that will help keep their eustachian tubes open. Swallowing activates muscles at the back of the throat that help pull open the tube. Eating, drinking and chewing gum can all activate this process. Babies may also open their eustachian tubes by sucking on a bottle or pacifier. Yawning has an even more pronounced effect on the throat muscles that open the tube.

Children can also take a deep breath, close their mouth, pinch their nostrils and blow. This often will force open the eustachian tube. However, this should be done with caution, because blowing too hard can damage the eardrums. Children can often safely open the tubes by blowing up balloons.

Parents can also take several steps to reduce the risk of ear infection in their child. These include:

• Breastfeed for at least four months. Breastfeeding passes immunity that helps protect children from ear infections.
  
  
• Ask a physician about the pneumonococcal 7-valent conjugate (PCV7) vaccine. This series of four injections provided between ages 2 months and 15 months can prevent a form of bacterium that causes some ear infections.
  
  
• Choose a childcare facility with fewer children. Children who spend time in close quarters with many children are at higher risk of ear infections due to the larger number of infectious viruses and bacteria they are exposed to.

Reduce their child’s exposure to second-hand smoke. Breathing in second-hand smoke significantly increases the risk of ear infection, and also slows recovery time once infection has set in. If possible, do not allow smoking in the home or any car that the child travels in.