13 Best Headphones for Baby on Plane in 2023
We have compiled a list of the top baby ear protectors to shield your child’s ears from the wind and noise. When it’s chilly outside, it’s important to bundle up your infant in layers of clothing, including sweaters, socks, gloves, and hats. To avoid getting your ears frozen, you should also use earplugs. When you take your child to busy public locations, they are also useful because they shield them from the noise pollution that can be found there.
If you believe a standard cap will do the trick in protecting your baby’s ears from noise, think again. Infant eardrums are extremely vulnerable and can be permanently damaged by exposure to loud noises such as traffic or music. These ear muffs may be found in a wide range of sizes, styles, and hues, making it easy to find something that fits your infant’s appearance and meets their needs. In that case, have a look at the options we’ve provided and pick out some good ear plugs for your kid.
How Do I Protect My Baby’s Ears While Flying?
Although adults can use small earplugs during air travel, it is not safe to use earplugs for babies. Therefore, we need to explore alternative options suitable for infants.
My preferred methods for protecting a baby’s ears during air travel include using infant ear muffs or baby headphones designed explicitly for this purpose.
What To Look Out For
When selecting baby headphones for air travel, there are several factors to consider. First, examine the Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of the headphones, as a higher number indicates better noise reduction. Additionally, insulated headphones are more effective and comfortable. Look for headphones with adjustable, well-padded headbands that can fit your baby’s head easily.
It’s essential to consider your child’s age, especially when searching for headphones for newborns. Ensure that the headphones you choose are suitable for infants aged 0 months and above, not just those for three months or older.
It’s worth noting that no product can entirely eliminate the pressure changes that occur during air travel. However, the best baby headphones for flying can help reduce pressure and noise, ensuring your baby’s ears are well-protected.
What To Avoid
Putting cotton balls or swabs inside your baby’s ears can be harmful and pose a choking risk if the cotton gets lodged or falls out. Therefore, it’s best to avoid using these methods as they’re not safe for infants. Additionally, adult earplugs should also be avoided as they’re not suitable for babies.
13 Best Ear Protection for Babies
Muted Headphones for Kids- Toddler to Teen- Children
Muted Designer Hearing Protection headphones are a preferred choice for parents of children with sensory challenges. They are suitable for toddlers, kids, and even teenagers.
These earmuffs are designed to provide additional comfort and have an NRR rating of 27, ensuring that your child’s ears are protected from loud noises.
One of the standout features of these headphones is their high-quality materials, making them durable and able to withstand the rigors of toddler tantrums.
The headband is cushioned, wrapped in a leather-like material, and stitched together for added comfort.
However, currently, there is only one design available, but additional colors and designs are periodically added on Amazon.
Pros:
- Offers a high NRR (noise reduction rating)
- Compact size makes it easy to pack for travel
- Adjustable for a comfortable fit
- Made with durable and high-quality materials
Cons:
- Considered expensive compared to other options
- Comes in only one color/design
- May have less cushioning than some other headphones
Related: Best Kids VR Headsets
Friday 7Care Baby Ear Protection Noise Canceling Headphones for Ages 0-24 Months
To provide your baby with budget-friendly ear protection for air travel, you may want to consider the Fridaybaby Baby Ear Protection Headphones, which are ranked second lightest on our list.
These headphones have large ear cups that are comfortable for babies to wear. Additionally, the head strap is cushioned and soft, which prevents any pressure on the baby’s head and can even assist in relieving ear pressure during takeoff and landing.
The two-layered sound-absorbing material reduces noise levels by 4 to 6 times, depending on the external noise, enabling your baby to sleep peacefully in various locations like an airplane, concert, outdoor events, or gym.
With a 5-year product insurance guarantee, there is no need to worry about any potential issues with the headphones. Furthermore, each purchase supports a good cause. However, the only drawbacks are that they are a bit bulky and do not come with a travel case.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Provides comfort without skull pressure
- Adjustable for a perfect fit
- Reduces noise 4 to 6 times
- Comes with a 5-year product insurance guarantee
Cons:
- Can be bulky to carry around
- Does not come with a travel case.
Related: Best Music Players For Kids
Baby Banz Earmuffs Infant Hearing Protection – Ages 0-2+ Years
The Baby Banz Earmuffs are the top-rated headphones for infants when it comes to air travel, with a whopping 10,000 units sold, making them the most trusted brand by parents looking for the best baby headphones for airplane travel.
Designed specifically for babies, they feature stylish designs to ensure that your little one looks fashionable even while sleeping on the plane.
Unlike other headphones for infants, these earmuffs have premium noise-blocking material, soft padding, and a durable headband. They may be slightly heavier than other baby airplane headphones on our list, but they provide excellent sound blocking, ensuring that your baby will sleep peacefully on the plane.
Therefore, they are the best baby ear protection headphones for airplane travel, which is why they are the most popular and best-selling headphones for babies when it comes to flying.
Pros
- Provides comfort
- Has durability
- Ideal for newborns
- Available in various colors and designs
- Provides the highest noise reduction rating
Cons
- It is the heaviest among the options listed
- Choosing the right size may be difficult
- Not suitable for toddlers
- May not fit babies with larger heads
Relatrd: Best Musical Instruments For Kids
Snug Baby Earmuffs, Best Toddler & Infant Hearing Protection Ages 0-2+
The Snug Baby Earmuffs are a budget-friendly option for parents looking for noise-canceling headphones for their babies on an airplane. The headphones come with a padded head strap that provides a comfortable fit for your little one without putting any pressure on their head.
The adjustable head strap can be extended as your baby grows, making it suitable for babies up to two years old. However, these headphones are bulkier compared to others on the list, so that is something to consider when making your selection.
Some reviews mention that the headphones can make babies sweaty when used outside on a hot day, but since this article is focused on airplane travel, this shouldn’t be a problem as airplanes are typically cooler in temperature.
Lastly, for parents, here are some affordable headphones to wear during travel with your baby.
Pros
- Affordable
- Adjustable
- Portable
- Lightweight
- Suitable fit for babies
Cons
- Limited color choices
- Not very durable
- Low rating for noise reduction
Related: Best Toddler Drum Sets
Dr. Meter Kids Protective Earmuffs
Use the Dr. Meter Kids Protective Earmuffs to shield your child’s ears from loud noises like music and traffic. The ear cushions and headband of these mufflers for kids are both made from high-density foam to ensure maximum comfort for the wearer.
A leather belt secures the band around the wearer’s waist, making for an ideal fit. The band and ear pads are joined by steel pins that may be adjusted to accommodate a variety of head sizes. The NRR rating of these infant earplugs is 27.
Use it on the plane or at a party to protect your child’s hearing. They’re risk-free enough to satisfy the ASI and European Safety Standards. Watch this review on YouTube to learn more about this tool and how it may be put to use in your life.
Pros
- Rotating ears that can go in any direction
- Having a body that can fold up
- Lightweight
- Additional hues are obtainable.
- Soundproof
Cons
- Not recommended for volumes over 100 dB.
BBTKCARE Baby Hearing Protection Headphones
When infants are woken up by loud noises or exposed to continual loud noises, they tend to get irritable. The BBTKCARE Baby Hearing Protection Headphones are here to help you block out the noise. Baby and toddler earbuds (ages 3 months to 2 years) are ideal for these headphones.
It has a movable band and won’t put any weight on a child’s ears. Foam linings on the headband and mufflers prevent rubbing and scrapes from coming into contact with your baby’s skin. These headphones can block out noise between 28 and 31 decibels. Check out this review by a popular YouTuber if you still have doubts.
Pros
- Easy to carry and transport
- Useful for the youngest members of the family
- Finely crafted from only the finest components
- Numerous color choices
Cons
- Upon first use, you may notice a powerful plastic odor.
3M Kids Hearing Protection Adjustable Headband
The 3M Kids Hearing Protection Adjustable Headband is ideal for protecting young ears from damaging noise, whether from a concert or a lawn mower. These headphones are engineered to filter out nearly 23 dB of ambient noise, making them suitable for children aged 3 and up.
There is a stainless steel clip on the padded earpiece and headband that may be adjusted for a more custom fit. These headphones are great for blocking out background noise as your kids read, nap, or take a flight.
Pros
- Convertible headband
- Modular structure
- Travel-friendly
- Substances that last a long time and wear well
Cons
- Young children may find the headband uncomfortable.
G & F Earmuffs hearing protection
Listen to music or podcasts without worrying about damaging your hearing at the office or a loud event. The G And F Products Hearing Protection Headphones include a great adjustable headband so that they may be worn comfortably by men, women, and children of all sizes.
Soft cushions in the earpieces reduce ambient noise by 28–100 decibels. Use it to muffle the sounds of fireworks, gunfire, or just everyday life. They are lightweight, breathable, and incredibly soft, making them perfect for any trip.
Pros
- Choice of Metallic Hues
- Convertible structure
- Anti-perspirant cushioning
- Sturdy and reliable
Cons
- Kids may be too tiny to wear it comfortably.
Alpine Muffy Baby Hearing Protection Baby Soundproof Headphones
A child’s fontanelle, a soft region on the top of the skull, remains present for around 18 months. Alpine’s noise-cancelling headphones for babies are specially made with the fontanelle in mind and are comfortable for young ears.
The elastic fabric of the headband will not harm your child’s head or cause hair to fall out. You can throw the headband in the washing machine and use the extra one while you wait for it to dry. The infant headphones reduce ambient noise by 23 dB, protecting their developing ears from harm.
Pros
- Lack of silicone
- BPA-free
- Pouch for transport is included.
- CE Certified
Cons
- Over time, the elastic headband could begin to loose its shape.
Neiko Adjustable Hearing Protectors
These headphones are great for blocking out noise so you can take care of baby without being disturbed. The headphones are made to comfortably suit the heads and ears of people aged 10 and up.
The earpiece slides smoothly along the headband to ensure a snug and comfortable fit. The European Commission for Electrotechnical Safety has approved these headphones as safe for use with the ear.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Travel-friendly
- Sweatproof
- Earphones with this earpiece can be used with your favorite musical instrument.
Cons
- Your infant may experience discomfort from the plastic headband.
PROHEAR Noise Reduction Headphones For Toddlers
Invest in a pair of PROHEAR Noise Reduction Headphones For Toddlers to ensure your child’s hearing remains intact at events like concerts, races, and parties. In order to prevent your children’s ears from being damaged by loud noise, these headphones filter out 25 dB.
The ultra-soft earpiece is attached to the flexible, stainless-steel-pin-adjustable headband. They conform to your child’s head for a more comfortable experience and help drown out ambient noise.
Pros
- Repeating design of bright colors
- Earpiece that can be rotated in all directions
- Travel-friendly
- It encases the ears fully.
Cons
- That weight could be a little much for some people.
Amplin AmpMed TranquilMuff Headphones
The Amplin AmpMed TranquilMuff Headphones can reduce outside noise by 25 decibels, protecting your hearing. They offer the highest level of noise isolation and comfort possible, and are suitable for use by people of any age.
Put them to use to keep yourself from being sidetracked when you’re working or studying. With its wide earpiece that rotates 360 degrees, this headphone is simple to put on and take off, as well as convenient to store.
Pros
- Flexible
- Travel-friendly
- Sweatproof
- Maintains healthy ears and reduces the risk of ear infections
Cons
- No infants or toddlers please
ZOHAN Baby Ear Muffs For Noise Cancellation
The ZOHAN Baby Ear Muffs For Noise Cancellation are made for infants as young as 6 months and will last through their tenth birthdays. These headphones were designed with the safety of infants and toddlers in mind by using high-quality foam to cushion the ears and head.
You may reduce the noise level in the room by 22 decibels by having your children wear these. Your kids will be able to focus on what they’re doing without being disrupted by outside noises if they use these earplugs.
Pros
- Colors and pattern inspired by the galaxy
- Locking in place snugly
- Pairing off
- Noise reduction by 22 decibels
Cons
- A young child may be too tall for it.
How To Choose Right Best Ear Protection for Babies on Planes
When selecting the top headphones for babies to use on airplanes, we took into account a few critical factors such as noise reduction rating, comfort, weight, and portability. The following are the aspects we examined while searching for the most exceptional headphones for infants during flights.
Noise Reduction Rating:
The Noise Reduction Rating is a measure that gauges the efficiency of hearing protection devices in reducing sound levels in a particular setting. Among the earmuffs featured in this article, the highest NRR is 33 dB.
Though the calculation for determining noise reduction can be complex, a higher NRR provides better protection against external noise, including airplane engines, when traveling with an infant.
It is advisable to use headphones with the highest NRR when flying with a baby younger than 18 months. This will safeguard their hearing until it matures, which usually happens at around 2 years of age.
Comfort
The highest priority is comfort since if the ear protection headphones are uncomfortable, children are unlikely to wear them.
We evaluated the comfort by wearing them ourselves for several hours, and if we found them uncomfortable, then it’s likely that babies will as well.
The greater the comfort, the higher the chance that the child will wear them happily without any discomfort.
Weight
The weight of the headphones becomes important when the baby begins to lift their head, usually during tummy time.
If you intend to travel with your baby during this period, it is recommended to choose lightweight headphones because the baby’s head control is still developing. This will enable the baby to look around comfortably without feeling weighed down and getting upset.
However, if your child is not an infant, the weight of the headphones becomes less of a concern.
Design
When selecting baby headphones for flying, it is essential to consider the design features such as an adjustable head strap, cushioned headband, and ear cups that do not apply pressure to the baby’s head.
These features are critical for ensuring the baby’s comfort and safety. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully examine the design when searching for the best baby airplane ear protection. Although some ear protection may work well for airplane travel, it is important to specifically seek out infant headphones designed for flying.
Portability
Since we travel frequently and prefer to pack light, it is important to have baby airplane headphones that can fit inside our travel diaper bag. While this may not be a vital factor, it is worth taking into account when selecting the headphones.
Size:
There is a wide range of headphone sizes available. Some feature adjustable headbands and others are made specifically for babies. If you want to protect your child’s hearing, choose out a pair of earmuffs that fits them like a glove.
Kids’ heads are often on the move, so earmuffs with an adjustable headband are a good option for keeping their ears safe. Keep in mind your children’s sizing before making any purchases.
Durability
Your children will need ear muffs that are as tough as they are. In a split second, your kids will throw it on the ground or jump on it. If you want to listen to music while you’re on the move, invest in headphones that can withstand being thrown around.
Function
Ear plugs are worn for protection against loud noises and, in certain cases, frigid temperatures. Each can isolate some ambient sound from your surroundings. Headphones with a noise reduction rating (NRR) of 20 or higher may be your best bet if you want to take your child to a concert or racing.
Final Decision: What Are The Best Baby Headphones For Airplane?
When it comes to traveling with a young infant (under 6 months), the Alpine Muffy ear muffs are the recommended choice for the best baby headphones. This is because they have a special strap that secures them around little heads, which keeps their ears protected without pressing on the ‘soft spot’.
For older babies or young children, the top pick for the best baby headphones are the Baby Banz earphones. This is because they have the highest noise reduction rating and their design might also prevent the feeling of pressure in the ear canal. These headphones can make plane travel more comfortable for your baby and the passengers around you.
FAQs: Best Ear Protection for Babies on Planes
Do babies need headphones on planes?
Whether or not to use noise-canceling headphones for your baby during air travel depends on your comfort level. While it is not necessary for babies to use headphones during flights, I strongly advise purchasing baby headphones specifically designed for air travel. Unlike adults, babies’ hearing is still developing, and they may be more sensitive to noise. Therefore, using infant headphones for flying can be beneficial.
Do earmuffs help the baby on airplanes?
Absolutely! Baby headphones designed for air travel are an excellent way to safeguard your baby’s hearing during flights. Although ear muffs cannot prevent the baby’s ears from popping, they can protect their developing hearing, especially up until the age of two.
What helps baby ears on a plane?
If your baby experiences discomfort during air travel due to the change in altitude (ears popping), sucking on something can alleviate the pressure. Offering your baby the breast, a pacifier, or a bottle to suck on can be helpful in such situations.
Alternatively, if you are concerned about protecting your baby’s ears from the noise during air travel, investing in a good quality pair of baby ear muffs designed for flying can be helpful. These infant headphones can protect the baby’s hearing from the loud noise experienced on flights.
Can babies wear noise-cancelling headphones?
Absolutely! When it comes to safeguarding your baby during air travel, noise-cancelling headphones are an excellent option. However, it’s essential to note that the noise-cancelling headphones referred to here are regular headphones designed to reduce external noise.
Babies cannot wear traditional headphones meant for listening to music or movies, as they do not provide the necessary hearing protection. Instead, babies can wear dedicated baby ear muffs designed for air travel or other loud environments, as mentioned earlier.
Which children will benefit most from hearing protection?
When it comes to the potential benefits of hearing protection devices, infants may be the ones who stand to gain the most. Eardrums of infants are especially fragile and easily ruptured. Wearing headphones protects your ears from the loud environment and reduces the mental stress it can create.
Can I use headphones to help my baby sleep?
Yes. Noise from household appliances, such as a vacuum cleaner or washing machine, can easily distract children. They stay awake due to the honking cars on the road. Earplugs will help them fall asleep anyplace without disturbing others.
How can I tell if the headband will fit?
Headbands, whether for children or adults, should fit snuggly. Your baby’s ear should be totally encased. The best fitting headbands can be obtained in this manner.
In colder climates or when you’re in a crowded public location, baby headphones can be used to insulate your child’s ears from the harsh noises around them. The best headphones and earplugs provide a secure fit, so look for ones that are well-padded and constructed of non-slip material.
In addition, look for one that can block out background noise and is composed of a lightweight, skin-friendly material. The headphones should be sturdy enough to survive for several years without breaking.
Conclusion
Protecting your baby’s ears while flying is important, especially since their hearing is still developing. While traditional headphones and earplugs are not suitable for infants, there are other options available. Baby ear muffs and headphones specifically designed for infants and young children can provide effective protection against noise on a plane, which can be a source of discomfort and even pain for babies. When choosing the best headphones for your baby, consider factors such as the Noise Reduction Rating, insulation, adjustability, and age appropriateness. Avoid using cotton balls or swabs as they can be dangerous and pose a choking hazard. With the right ear protection, you can help ensure a more comfortable and enjoyable flying experience for both you and your baby.
