Concerned my 11 month old may have an ear infection. what should i be looking out for?

Change in alertness: At this age we typically treat all ear infections with antibiotics even with mild symptoms. That being said most will resolve on their own. Fever is a natural response so you don't have to treat fever aggressively, though those meds help with pain. Your doctor should definitely see your child if he/she is not eating well, not having wet diapers like normal, or if he/she is difficult to arouse.

Unconsolable Pain: Usually we see ear infections a week or so after a child has had a cold, congestion and cough. The cold might be improving, but then the child wakes at night with pain that is difficult to console. This may be accompanied with fever. If the baby has not had a cold, teething is likely. If he is not better within a day of the pain with treatment with motrin, have his ears examined to be sure.