Grommets - how DO you cope at bathtime?

[Katebuckle]

My 18 month old son has recently had grommets fitted and we are very happy with the results. However, we are desperate to find a good method of plugging his ears at bathtime without him pulling the various devices straight back out again. So far, ear plugs, cotton wool coated in vaseline, and blutak have all met with the same reponse!

Also, at playgroup the other day, I noticed that a small amount of sand had got into his ear. Is this a cause for concern?

Umm.. well, my son doesn't like having his hair washed and we simply pour water over it to get it wet and rinse it. He doesn't go under the water much.

That having been said, we don't plug his ears at all and it's been fine. He got his grommets in 7+ weeks ago and his ears were fine when he went for his 6 week check. We were at the doctor at the beginning of this week, too, for infected mosquito bites and his ears were clear. So no problems, so far.

His ENT guy said simply to try not to get soapy water in his ears. Swimming is ok (no diving though-- not a problem). My son has been swimming a few times since he's had them in. A couple of times in lakes and streams and once in a pool. The thing with soapy water is that it has a lower surface tension than water without soap and is more likely to get into the little hole.

I wouldn't worry about the sand either. I mean, if he's got a funnel up to his ear and pouring it in that might be bad, but otherwise it should be fine. My son regularly plays in sand pits and mud with no ill effects.

Will let you know if he develops any problems, but his doctor didn't seemed too concerned about it and didn't suggest plugs.. just being a bit careful.

What is blutak?

My daughter has a perforated eardrum, ans she has 'made-to-measure' earplugs fitted at the local hospital. They squirt something like playdough into the ear to make an impression, and about a week later you get a set of ear plugs which fit perfectly, dont fall out, and can't be taken out by my 4 yr old, so an 18 mth old wouldn't manage it. it may be worth contacting your audiology dept to see if they do this. We have had no ear infections in the 12 months since shes had them

My son had grommets fitted at 2 years 4 months (the best thing that ever happend to him!) I asked the doctor whom I have a great deal of faith in about what the restictions where regarding water sand etc as many people told me lots of different things... he basically said let him be a little boy and start enjoying his childhood. He has been infection free health and happy with improving speech 7 months on he is still fine. I think the answer to the question is moderation and common sense, alittle water/ sand etc is not going to harm but half a beach might!