For ear irrigation, how should the auricle be positioned for a 6-month-old infant?

For ear irrigation in a 6-month-old infant, positioning the auricle up and back is the correct approach. This technique helps to straighten the ear canal, which can be more curved and horizontal in infants compared to older children and adults. By pulling the auricle upward and backward, it allows for better access to the ear canal, facilitating effective irrigation and reducing the risk of discomfort or injury to the eardrum.

This positioning also helps to ensure that the solution used for irrigation reaches the intended area in the ear canal without obstruction, particularly important when dealing with young children who may be more sensitive. Other positional techniques are less effective for infants due to their unique ear anatomy.