Which method is recommended for administering ear drops to a child?

The recommended method for administering ear drops to a child is to pull the ear down and back. This technique is particularly effective for younger children because their ear canals are shorter and more horizontal compared to adults. By pulling the ear down and back, you straighten the ear canal, allowing for better penetration of the ear drops, which ensures that the medication reaches its intended location effectively.

This method also minimizes discomfort for the child and helps to prevent any potential injury to the delicate structures in the ear. The down and back maneuver is essential for properly aligning the ear canal, facilitating the flow of the drops and ensuring that they do not leak out immediately.

Using other methods, such as pushing the ear downwards, pulling the ear back, or holding the ear flat, can either cause discomfort or fail to provide the optimal angle for the medication to travel through the ear canal effectively. Thus, the technique of pulling the ear down and back is the best practice in pediatric ear drop administration.