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We hear it all the time, old wives' tales about triggers for colds and ear infections. We'll tackle the top three today on The Scope.
Fact: Teething Does Not Cause Ear Infections
Some parents think teething causes ear infections. Nope. Teething causes gum swelling, babies to drool and chew on things, and eventually, a tooth to appear. But teething just happens to occur around the same time that babies and toddlers are more prone to ear infections. The two aren't connected.
Fact: Wet Hair Does Not Cause a Cold or Ear Infection
Another very popular old wives' tale is that if you go outside with wet hair, if it's cold or windy, you'll get a cold or an ear infection. The only thing your child will get if they go outside with wet hair is a cold head.
Colds are caused by viruses, and ear infections are caused by bacteria. Colds are more common when it's fall and winter when the temperatures dip and it gets blustery, and ear infections are a common complication of colds. Research has discovered that there is some truth to the myth that being out in the cold actually makes a person more susceptible to viruses. When the nasal tissue drops just 9 degrees, the immune response can drop by almost half, explaining why we are more prone to catching certain viruses during wintertime. But your child's hair moisture status is not a factor.
Fact: Sleeping With the Window Open Will Not Cause a Cold
Lastly, sleeping with the window open or the fan on causes a cold. Again, colds are caused by viruses, not the air circulation of your bedroom. Your body may get cold, but you won't get sick.
updated: January 8, 2024
originally published: September 5, 2016
Sorting fact from fiction so parents can worry less and trust more
DEBUNKING OLD WIVES' TALES
What That Smell Means: A Parent's Guide to Child Odors
Kids can be messy, sweaty, and occasionally smelly. But some odors may point to a medical issue instead of just needing a bath. Learn what is usually harmless, what simple fixes may help at home, and when certain smells could signal infections, constipation, diabetes, or other concerns worth checking out.
When Does My Child Need to Go to the ER for a Nose Injury?
Does your child's nose seem to be a trauma magnet, constantly getting bumped, bruised, and bloodied? It is pretty typical for kids to hurt their noses as they play and explore. Learn when you should treat your child's injured nose at home and when it is time to go to the doctor.
How to Treat Your Child's Cold Sore
Cold sores are common in adults, but they can surprise parents when they appear in children. Caused by the herpes simplex virus, these painful blisters often return during illness, stress, or fatigue. Learn when to ask your doctor about prescription treatment.
Is Your Child Peeing Too Often? Frequent Urination in Young Children Explained
Your preschooler suddenly needs the bathroom every few minutes—but seems otherwise fine. While alarming for parents, this common phase is often harmless and linked to stress, routine changes, or bladder habits rather than disease. Learn the warning signs that deserve medical attention and how reassurance often becomes the best treatment.
Treating Your Child's "Barking Cough" at Home
Has your child got a bad cough that almost sounds like a seal? Hearing a child with croup is concerning to any parent. Learn about at-home treatments, how a pediatrician can help, and when it is time to go to the ER.
My Child Has Night Terrors—What Can I Do?
It can be hard to watch your child have night terrors—when they scream and cry inconsolably at night. Although night terrors usually stop eventually, learn to recognize signs that it may be something more serious, and when you should take your child to the doctor.
How to Make Your Child Comfortable While They Recover From the Flu
If your child comes down with the flu, there is, unfortunately, not much you can do except make them comfortable and wait for the virus to run its course. Learn what foods your child should eat, how much water they should drink, their medications, and when they can go back to school.
