Should babies wear ear defenders for flying?
Andrew Mclaughlin
Updated on January 20, 2026
Do babies need ear protection on flights?
While the noisy environment of a plane leads some passengers to wear ear protection, including ear muffs and ear plugs, all babies should wear ear muffs to protect them from the pain and damage that flying can potentially cause.How do I protect my newborn's ears from flying?
Ears pop when planes take off and land.
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This transfers pressure from the ears to the nose.
- Bring a pacifier. ...
- Don't let your baby sleep while taking off and landing. ...
- Yawn even when not sleepy. ...
- Distract them from the discomfort. ...
- Covering the ears with the hands is a sure sign of pain.
Does flying affect baby's ears?
Your baby's ears.Changing cabin pressure during a flight causes temporary changes in middle ear pressure. This can trigger ear pain. To help relieve the discomfort in your baby's ears, offer your baby a breast, bottle or pacifier to suck on during takeoff and the initial descent.
Do babies need ear defenders?
Growing ears of babies and toddlers are susceptible to damage. Ears and hearing develop significantly in the first few years after birth. Providing hearing protection, especially at a young age, helps to ensure optimal hearing as your child grows.Does My Baby Need Earmuffs? Concert, Fireworks, Trains, and Flying on Airplanes
When should baby wear ear protection?
Hearing protectors are recommended whenever a person's hearing is exposed to noise levels that exceed a certain level and time. Scientists have set this level in the workplace at 85 decibels for exposures longer than eight continuous hours.Is Monster Jam too loud for babies?
Tips For Attending Monster JamIt is extremely loud at monster Jams and little ones can be sensitive to the noise. Some good ear protection like noise canceling headphones or ear plugs is highly recommended. -Bundle up!
How do flight attendants handle crying babies?
Screaming babies:Flight attendants say there is little they can do about crying infants other than to ask the parents if they need anything to help quiet them.
Is it rude to fly first class with a baby?
Parents should be well-prepared for flying with children, no matter in which class they fly. Most airlines don't have specific, written rules about an infant or child policy in first class. (Except Malaysia Air, which has banned infants from its first class.)Is it safe for a 3 month old to fly?
If possible, wait until your baby is 3 months oldAmerican Airlines allows infants as young as 2 days old, and Southwest Airlines allows infants as young as 14 days old. But a baby's immune system is more developed by 3 months of age, making them less susceptible to illness.
Can a 2 month old baby fly?
When is it safe to travel with a newborn baby by plane? In general, doctors recommend you wait to fly until your baby's immune system is better developed. This could be as soon as one month for full-term infants, though most doctors recommend anywhere between three months and six months.What to know about flying with an infant?
Here are a few other handy tips:
- When you check-in, tell the attendant that you are traveling with a baby. ...
- Check-in as many pieces of luggage as you can. ...
- Change your baby's diaper immediately before boarding the airplane.
- Avoid breastfeeding or bottle-feeding your baby just before boarding.
How do you fly with an infant?
Here's what we recommend:
- Get to the Airport Early When Flying With a Baby. ...
- Use Curbside Check-In. ...
- Gate-Check Your Stroller and Car Seat. ...
- Wear Your Baby and Your Diaper Bag. ...
- Board the Plane Separately. ...
- If You Can Afford It, Buy the Baby a Seat. ...
- Fly During Nap (or Happy) Time. ...
- Book Two Aisle Seats Across From Each Other.
How do I protect my kids ears from flying?
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.
Do ear defenders help on planes?
Wear Ear ProtectionEar protection like customised earplugs will go a long way towards protecting the delicate parts of the ear that allow us to hear, especially if you're on a long flight and have to endure the noise for many hours, including at night, when you want to sleep.