Have you noticed your little boy or girl has been tugging on his or her ear recently and just won’t stop? While this can seem like a random occurrence – or even an adorable quirk – the truth is, it can actually be a sign that your child is affected by a serious health issue: An ear infection!

“Next to the common cold, ear infections are the most common disorder in children,” Margaretha Casselbrant, M.D., Ph.D., chief of the division of pediatric otolaryngology at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, told Parents magazine.

If you’re concerned that your little one may have an ear infection but you’re not quite certain, consider these three signs. Don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider if your child has one or more of these symptoms.

1. A fever
One of the best ways to determine if your son or daughter is feeling under the weather is to take his or her temperature. Anything over 102 degrees can be an indication that your child has an ear infection or similar serious health issue. If your little one is shy or nonverbal, start by taking his or her temperature.

2. Pus or fluid from the ear
While most medical professionals will tell you that ear tugging is common among kids with ear infections, you wouldn’t want to base your assumption on this habit alone. If you notice your child’s ears are filled with fluid or dripping a pus-like substance, this is a sign that it may be an ear infection.

3. Trouble sleeping
Say the word “bedtime” and most kids are likely to fold their arms over their chests and start pouting. However, if you’ve seen that your child can’t get to bed and is a restless sleeper, this could be the result of problems with his or her ears.

When it comes to children’s health and wellness, parents understand the importance of making sure kids get the proper treatments in case conditions like ear infections develop. Unfortunately, certain kinds of medicine – especially those that come in liquid form – can be tough and bitter for youngsters to swallow, which can leave parents in search of better tips for giving medicine to children.

With FLAVORx, your kids can choose the flavor of their medicines, making it easier for moms and dads to treat everything from colds to flus to ear infections and more. Custom flavoring can be a great option that helps children feel better faster!