Should a baby wear ear defenders on a plane?

To prevent ear pain and discomfort, babies should wear ear protection whenever they're travelling on a plane.



Yes, it is highly recommended for babies to wear noise-canceling ear defenders or soft earmuffs during a flight in 2026. While the primary concern for many parents is "airplane ear" (pain from pressure changes), ear defenders are actually more effective at protecting a baby's delicate hearing from the high-decibel engine noise, which can peak at 110-120 dB during takeoff. Muffling this ambient roar helps keep the baby calm and can encourage better sleep. For the pressure changes themselves, ear defenders provide a slight physical barrier, but they do not equalize pressure; for that, doctors suggest breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or using a pacifier during takeoff and landing to trigger the swallowing reflex. In 2026, specialized infant headphones designed with pressure-venting technology have become popular, providing both sound protection and a more comfortable environment for the child’s inner ear.

People Also Ask

Helping children prevent airplane ear
  • Encourage swallowing. Give a baby or toddler a bottle to suck on during ascents and descents to encourage frequent swallowing. A pacifier also might help. Have the child sit up while drinking. ...
  • Avoid decongestants. Decongestants aren't recommended for young children.


MORE DETAILS

The best time to fly with kids The best times, most agree, are between three and nine months, when kids aren't yet mobile, and any time after age two or three. The idea here is to bypass the toddler phase, and, more importantly, to avoid flying with young infants. The latter is especially risky says Dr.

MORE DETAILS

The best time to fly with kids While you can't always fly at the optimal time (based on your child's age, that is), it's great when you can. The best times, most agree, are between three and nine months, when kids aren't yet mobile, and any time after age two or three.

MORE DETAILS

That's because rapid changes in cabin pressure don't allow the ear's Eustachian tubes time to adjust. Next time, use doctor-recommended EarPlanes. Insert them in your child's ears, and these soft, hypoallergenic filters regulate changing air pressure, eliminating discomfort while reducing noise.

MORE DETAILS

Sit away from the engine.
Seats in the front rows are farthest away from the engine and therefore better for your hearing. However, if you have to sit farther back in the plane, choose an aisle seat as they are several decibels quieter than window seats.

MORE DETAILS

Additional infants under 2 years old must be ticketed and occupy an infant safety seat or in a separate aircraft seat. The infant must be under 2 years of age for the duration of the trip. If they turn 2 during a trip, they will need their own seat for the remainder of the trip.

MORE DETAILS

Consider using cotton balls, noise-canceling headphones or small earplugs to limit your baby's exposure to this noise. This may help make it easier for your baby to sleep. Your baby's breathing.

MORE DETAILS

The safest way for baby to fly Infants weighing less than 20 pounds should be bucked into a rear-facing car seat during airplane travel. Children who weigh 20 to 40 pounds should be restrained in a car seat. They should not be switched to using just the airplane's lap belt until they reach at least 40 pounds.

MORE DETAILS

Once you're inside, assemble your supplies — diaper, wipes, and disposal bag — next to the sink and layer some paper towels or a changing pad on the closed toilet seat. Place your child on the seat, whip off the dirty diaper, stick it in an airsick bag or plastic bag, and dispose of it in the garbage.

MORE DETAILS