Do not stick cotton buds in your baby’s ear. My son’s ear surgeon says it can damage their hearing.

I’ve always been told that having wax is a good thing, my daughters say it’s itchy and I just use the cotton tips. But I always reiterate that it’s an adults job & explain the dangers, as id hate for them to try themselves!

I find that the big cotton buds are safer for younger kids.

Frequent cleaning of the outer ear and if you’re concerned about wax build up, some of the other answers have touched on products that can help you with inner wax build up.

yeah don’t insert the cotton bud as you can push wax in and cause an impaction. the doc can remove that. clean the outer ear only.

That is good to know thank you cherz

My son and husband are ones that have a extra build up of ear wax and if left for to long it will reduce their hearing immensely. I put cerumol in their ears and they visit the Dr to have them syringed out.
This link will provide useful information.
Why you shouldn’t clean your ears with a cotton swab
http://www.healthyhearing.com/report/47773-Swab-hearing-loss
Attempting an ear cleaning at home by using cotton swabs (Q-Tips) or other household items is a dangerous practice that can possibly lead to hearing loss, …

I don’t clean my sons ears very often, but when I do I also use the baby cotton buds

I was told to leave them alone from my GP. If there is an issue then a bit of Dettol or they may prescribe something.

I’ve never had to clean my daughter’s ears. I don’t think you need to unless there’s a problem.

I was always told not too. If you can’t get your elbow in your ear, then nothing should go in it. There is supposed to be wax in there, it’s the body’s way if keeping out foreign bits. If they have an issue with hearing or infection, take them to the Dr, but don’t try and clean them

Nothing more than wiping away any visible external wax is perfect.