I recently received the AAP News.  In it was a sample of their handout for
parents, "Ear Infections and Children".  The brochure was sponsored, in part,
by an educational grant from SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals, makers of
Augmentin.   Some tidbits:

1.  Boys have more ear infections than girls.

2.  Ear infections occur most often in children between 3 months & 3 years of
age.

3.  Ear infections can run in families -- children are more likely to have
repeated middle ear infections if a parent or sibling also had repeated ear
infections.

4.  Tobacco smoke -- higher risk of ear infections

4.  Babies who are bottle fed, especially while they are lying down get more
ear infections than breastfed babies.

Then it says:

Parents can help reduce some of the risks of ear infections.  For instance:

1.  Breastfeed instead of bottle feed.  Breastfeeding may decrease the risk
of frequent colds and ear infections.  If you do bottle feed, do not give
your child a bottle while he or she is lying down in the crib or playpen.

And it goes on with other information.  Very well written -- was SO thrilled
that the number one way cited for parents to reduce the risk of ear
infections was to breastfeed!

Progress is being made....it is slow....but it is being made....

Jan Barger
http://members.aol.com/bsccenter