Can a Child Go to Daycare With an Ear Infection?

Updated November 2026.

A child with an ear infection can usually go to daycare. Ear infections are not contagious, and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says children can return to child care as soon as they feel well enough. The exception is fever: children with a fever should stay home until it has been gone for 24 hours without fever-reducing medicine.

Here is how ear infections and daycare fit together, why they happen so often in young children, and what helps.

Why daycare kids get so many ear infections

Most middle ear infections start after a cold. Young children catch many colds in group care, and their short, flat ear tubes make it easier for fluid to build up behind the eardrum. Ear infections are most common between about 6 months and 3 years.

The germs that cause colds spread easily, but the ear infection itself does not. Health experts at UCSF's California Childcare Health Program note that switching child care programs will not reduce a child's ear infections. For more on why little ones get sick so often in their first year of care, see how often daycare kids get sick.

Signs of an ear infection in babies and toddlers

• Ear pain, which is often worse at night or when lying down
• Fussiness, crying or trouble sleeping
• Fever
• Fluid or pus draining from the ear
• Trouble hearing or not responding to quiet sounds

Ear pulling alone is not a reliable sign. Babies tug their ears for many reasons. If you are unsure, call your pediatrician.

When to keep your child home

Illinois daycare centers screen children for illness every day. Under Illinois licensing rules, children should stay home if they have a fever with a change in behavior, if they are unusually fussy or sleepy, or if they are too sick to take part in the day. Keep your child home if:

• They have a fever
• They are in a lot of pain or crying more than usual
• They need more care than teachers can give without neglecting other children

Once your child is fever-free for 24 hours without medicine and feels well enough to play, they can usually go back, even if they are still taking antibiotics. Read our guide to daycare fever rules.

Antibiotics and daycare

Many ear infections get better on their own. For some children, the pediatrician may suggest waiting a couple of days to see if symptoms improve. Others need antibiotics. If your child does:

• Ask about timing. Many antibiotics are given twice a day, so doses can often happen at home before and after daycare.
• If a dose must happen at daycare, Illinois centers need your written permission and the medicine in its original pharmacy-labeled container. See our guide to medicine at daycare in Illinois.
• Finish the full course, even if your child feels better.

When ear infections keep coming back

Sometimes fluid stays behind the eardrum for weeks or months after an infection clears. If infections keep returning, or fluid does not go away, your pediatrician may refer you to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist to talk about options, including ear tubes.

Ways to lower the risk

• Keep your child up to date on vaccines, including the yearly flu vaccine.
• Avoid smoke and vaping around your child.
• Do not prop bottles or let babies drink lying flat.
• Teach handwashing, and wash hands at pickup and drop-off.
• Breastfeeding, if it works for your family, may help protect babies.

Frequently asked questions

Can my child go to daycare with an ear infection?

Usually yes. Ear infections are not contagious. Your child can go back once they have no fever and feel well enough to take part in the day.

Is an ear infection contagious to other kids?

No. The cold that often comes before an ear infection can spread, but the ear infection itself does not.

Does my child need to finish antibiotics before returning?

No. Children can usually return while still taking antibiotics, as long as they have no fever and feel well.

Will changing daycares stop ear infections?

Usually not. Ear infections are common at this age in any group care setting.

When a child gets sick at Children's Land

If a child becomes sick during the day at Children's Land, the director calls the designated adult from the Emergency Information Form, and the child rests away from the group until pickup. Learn about our toddler program, find a location, or contact us.

Related reading: How Often Do Daycare Kids Get Sick in the First Year?.