How to spot ear infection in babies? The general cause for an ear infection in toddlers and young children, is the common cold. Babies & young children are most prone to ear infection, especially children under the age of three. Five out of six children will have had an ear infection by the time they turn three,1and 25% of children will experience repeat ear infections. early signs & symptoms Crankiness and fussiness due to discomfort and pain. Trouble sleeping or lying down flat. Fever (not all babies have fever with an ear infection, but many will have a fever between 100 degrees F and 104 degrees F). Yellow or brownish fluid draining out of your baby’s ear. Difficulty hearing or responding to the sound of your voice—this is due to fluid build up in the ear and should resolve after the ear infection is over. Child might develop a stiff neck. Your child's walk is not steady and physically very weak. Showing signs of weaknesses in face. Pulling and tugging the ears.