Wednesday, November 19, 2008 12:00 AM

(HealthDay News) -- Ear infections are common in children, and may occur for a variety of reasons.

But certain factors -- both environmental and beyond anyone's control -- may increase your child's risk.

The American Academy of Family Physicians lists these common risk factors for ear infections in children:

Being around cigarette smoking.Having had ear infections before, frequent colds, or having a family history of ear infections.Going to a day-care center.Being born premature or at low birth weight.Going to bed with a bottle or using a pacifier.Being male.Having allergies that cause congestion.