How should a parent correctly instill ear drops in a toddler's right ear?

To properly instill ear drops in a toddler's right ear, it is essential to pull the ear down and back. This technique is based on the anatomical differences in children's ears compared to adults. Young children have more horizontal ear canals, and pulling the ear down and back helps to straighten the canal, allowing for better access and more effective delivery of the medication. This positioning ensures that the drops can reach the eardrum properly, promoting better absorption and treatment efficacy.

Other methods, such as having the child stand next to the parent or placing a dry cotton ball in the ear, do not effectively assist in the proper delivery of ear drops. Making the child lie on their right side could also pose difficulties in application or may not ensure that the drops stay in the ear canal, which is necessary for effective treatment. Thus, the method of pulling the ear down and back is the most appropriate and effective approach in this situation.