But for the littles under 6 months, for kids more on the ill side (high fever or bad ear pain), or if a follow-up isn't possible, I may go for the bug juice sooner. That's consistent with the new clinical guidelines, and for the record, I think that is just fine.

Sometimes a tincture of time helps clarify the diagnosis. For a kid with an infection early in the illness and on the mild side, the parents and I might decide on a prescription "to go," which they can fill in a day or two if symptoms get worse. In a study published in 2003 in Pediatrics, only 31 percent of parents ended up filling such scrips. Bonus: All this watchfulness decreases the use of antibiotics, thereby preserving their effectiveness. It also rightly empowers parents and, I think, enhances the dialogue between parent and doctor.

Of course, there are other ways to keep kids comfy, including pain relievers such as children's acetaminophen or ibuprofen. You can try putting a few drops of warm — not hot — olive oil in the affected ear (have them lie on their side). Or try naturopathic ear drops such as Otikon Otic Solution. And never underestimate the healing power of those hugs and chicken soup.

Bear in mind, medical school does not confer immunity — I am a dad first. I endure ear infections with my own kids, and after my wife and I work our way through various home remedies, I confess I sometimes agitate for the hard stuff. And so she yins (just watch and wait, dummy) against my sometimes impatient yang to treat their infections as I was first taught in med school, before the Dutch showed us the light.

Like most moms, she's right most of the time.

Alternatively ...

Can treatments such as herbal therapy, acupuncture, and homeopathy help ear infections? My colleague David W. Miller, M.D., a pediatrician and diplomate of Oriental medicine, says the holistic approach is worth considering. Admittedly, many primary care doctors may be less familiar or comfortable with these methods. But Miller says to bring it up anyway. Your child's pediatrician should know what you're considering, and maybe you'll even get a referral. Go David!

Prevention: Some Reminders

Jerome O. Klein, M.D., pediatric infectious disease specialist at Boston University (and ear infection sensei), offers advice:

• Small group day care (rather than large group care) lessens the chance of germ exposure.
• Breastfeeding reduces the incidence of respiratory infections, which can lead to ear infections.
• Keeping up with immunizations for overall health.
• Hand washing — kids, parents, everyone.
• No smoking — kids, parents, everyone.

By the Numbers

• 75 — Percentage of U.S. children who will have at least one ear infection by their third birthday.
• 2 months to 12 years — Age group with highest number of infections, peaking in the toddler years.
• 0 — Number of objects smaller than your elbow that you should stick in your child's ear.
• 51 — Percentage of time a pediatrician correctly diagnoses an ear infection.
• 74 — Percentage of time an ear, nose, and throat doc correctly diagnoses an ear infection, but hey, they're specialists.
• Immeasurable — Number of sleepless nights, days of discomfort, and lost time from work, school, or the playground due to ear infections.

About the Author
Jack Maypole is assistant professor of pediatrics at the Boston University School of Medicine, a pediatrician at Boston Medical Center, and a member of Wondertime's advisory council.