Airplane cabin noise hovers around 100 decibels, and is even louder during takeoff. Using cotton balls, small earplugs, or noise-canceling headphones may help to decrease the decibel level your baby is exposed to, and also make it easier for them to sleep or relax.

While not strictly "mandatory" for safety, experts highly recommend that newborns wear noise-canceling headphones or earmuffs during air travel. A plane's cabin can reach noise levels of 85 to 100 decibels during takeoff and landing, which is loud enough to be distressing to an infant's sensitive hearing. High-quality infant headphones (like Baby Banz or Mpow) are specifically designed to muffle these sharp sounds, helping the baby remain calm and potentially sleep through the loudest parts of the flight. Beyond hearing protection, many parents find that the headphones act as a physical "do not disturb" sign to other passengers and help the baby feel more secure in a strange environment. For the baby’s comfort, it is also important to address ear pressure during altitude changes; nursing, bottle-feeding, or using a pacifier during takeoff and landing encourages swallowing, which helps the baby's ears equalize. Using a combination of noise protection and "swallow-to-pop" techniques is the best way to ensure a peaceful journey for both the newborn and the parents.