Traveling with a baby can be challenging, especially when taking a plane. There are so many things to worry about, but I know one of our biggest concerns was our son’s ears. To protect our little guy’s ears, we purchased baby headphones for airplane travel.
The loud noise on an airplane can be too much for an infant’s sensitive ears since their hearing is still developing.
Using baby headphones when flying with your little one is highly recommended. For your peace of mind, we’ve created this list of the ten best baby headphones for airplane travel.
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BEST BABY HEADPHONES FOR AIR TRAVEL COMPARISON TABLE (FOR INFANTS)
Last update on 2024-11-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
BEST HEADPHONES FOR FLYING WITH INFANTS
Babies develop their hearing from 0-2 years old, so using baby headphones when traveling on an airplane or in a noisy environment will help during these crucial years.
According to experts, hearing loss is one of the most common conditions in the United States.
Hearing loss can impact your babies’ auditory development, so protecting their ears is critical as they develop.
Here are the best baby headphones for airplane travel that protect your little one’s developing ears.
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Alpine Muffy Baby Ear Protection
One of our favorite infant headphones for flying is the Alpine Muffy Baby Headphones.
I love the headband design, which doesn’t put pressure on the soft spot (fontanelle) on the top of the head. These noise-reducing earmuffs are perfect for little ones on an airplane.
They not only protect your baby’s ear, but they are also comfortable. Unlike the other baby headphones for airplanes, these airplane ear muffs for infants do not have plastic.
Since there is a headband, you can get the perfect fit around your baby’s head. The elastic headband is washable, plus there is a spare, so you can easily clean these baby headphones.
What I like most about these baby airplane headphones is how lightweight they are. They are the lightest headphones on our list.
These baby headphones for flying also include a carrying pouch, so they are portable. You can throw them in your travel diaper bag without taking up too much space.
If you are looking for the best baby headphones for flying, these are them.
Pros
- Soft ear cushions
- Headband design
- Includes travel bag
- Includes spare headband
- Lightweight
Cons
- Expensive
- Few color options
- Won’t fit babies with small head
Our Favorite Baby Travel Essentials
Last update on 2024-11-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Fridaybaby Baby Ear Protection Headphones
If you are looking for affordable baby airplane ear protection, then the Fridaybaby Baby Ear Protection Headphones are perfect for your little one. These are the second lightest airplane ear muffs for babies on our list.
The ear cups are large, which makes them comfortable for babies to wear.
The head strap is soft and has cushions, so there is no pressure on your baby’s head. It may even help your little one with the pressure in their ears during takeoff and landing.
The two layers of sound-absorbing material reduce noise 4 to 6 times, depending on the outside noise. Your baby will be able to sleep anywhere, on an airplane, concert, outside, or at the gym.
There are no worries with the 5-year product insurance guarantee. Even better, each purchase supports a worthy cause.
Pros
- Affordable
- Comfortable
- No Skull Pressure
- Adjustable for perfect fit
- Reduces noise 4 to 6 times
- 5-Year Product Insurance
Cons
- Bulky
- No travel case
Baby Banz Earmuffs
The Baby Banz Earmuffs are the most popular baby headphones for flying. With over 10,000 units sold, they are the most trusted brand for parents looking for the best baby headphones for airplane travel.
These headphones are just for babies, so everything is designed with your little one in mind. The designs are stylish, so your little one can sleep on the plane in style.
Unlike the other headphones for babies on planes, these baby earmuffs for flying have premium noise-blocking material, soft padding, and a durable headband.
Although they are slightly heavier than the other baby airplane headphones on our list, your little one will sleep soundly.
These headphones offer the best baby ear protection for lying. There is a reason they are the best-selling airplane headphones for babies.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Perfect for newborns
- A lot of colors/designs
- Highest noise reduction rating
Cons
- Heaviest on our list
- Sizing can be confusing
- Too small for toddlers
- May be too small for babies with larger heads
Snug Baby Earmuffs
Snug Baby Earmuffs are the cheapest headphones for babies flying on an airplane. Parents love these affordable noise-canceling headphones for babies.
The head strap is padded for a comfortable fit on your baby’s head. You don’t have to worry about their ears because these baby ear muffs do not put pressure on their head.
The adjustable head strap grows as your baby gets older, so it can be up to age two.
These headphones are bulkier than the other ones on our list, so you should consider that when looking for ear protection headphones for your baby.
Some reviews mention their babies getting a little sweaty if the headphones are used outside on a hot day.
Since this article is for the best headphones for airplane travel, that shouldn’t be an issue. We all know airplanes are usually on the cold side, especially for a baby.
Here are some affordable headphones for parents to wear while traveling with their babies.
Pros
- Affordable
- Adjustable
- Portable
- Lightweight
- Great fit for babies
Cons
- Few color options
- Not durable
- Low noise reduction rating
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BBTKCARE Baby Ear Protection Headphones
The BBTKCARE Baby Ear Protection Headphones are a solid choice for parents looking to protect their baby’s ear while flying. This baby headset for flying is perfect for babies over 4 months old.
They offer affordability and functionality. There is no pressure on your baby’s head, so they are protected from loud noises and comfortable enough to sleep.
There is a 90-day warranty, so you can return them if they do not fit your little one. The adjustable headband makes it easy to fit most size heads, even toddlers up to two years old.
One of the major setbacks for this baby airplane ear muffs is the material. The plastic makes them less durable than the other baby airplane headphones, which have metal for better durability.
Pros
- Affordable
- Portable
- 90-day warranty
- A lot of color options
Cons
- Plastic materials
- Not as durable
- Babies have to be at least 3 months
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BEST BABY HEADPHONES FOR AIRPLANES COMPARISON TABLE (12+ MONTHS)
Last update on 2024-11-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
BEST BABY HEADPHONES FOR FLYING
The headphones in this section are perfect for babies over 12-months-old, and even for older kids.
If your little one is sensitive to sound, these are some of the best headphones for flying on an airplane with a baby or toddler.
Snug Kids Earmuffs
The Snug Kids Earmuffs are the most popular children’s headphones for flying. With an NRR rating of 25, your baby can be in loud environments without their ears being overwhelmed.
Hearing develops up to the age of 2, so even after your baby turns one year old, wearing baby headphones for airplanes is a precautionary measure.
It’s obvious why these are the most popular ear protection headphones for babies.
These headphones are durable, adjustable, comfortable, and compact. Of all the baby headphones on our list, these are the most compact for travel.
For parents with little ones who struggle with loud noises, these are the headphones for your kid. They are durable, have a 5-year warranty, plus can even fit adults.
These are the best overall noise-canceling headphones for toddlers, kids, teens, and the young at heart on our list.
Pros
- Durable
- Portable
- Comfortable
- Adjustable
- Affordable
- Lot of colors/designs
- Great noise reduction
- 5-Year warranty
Cons
- Difficult to adjust
- May be too tight for larger heads
- Aren’t for babies under 12 months
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ZOHAN EM030 Kids Ear Protection
The ZOHAN EM030 Kids Ear Protection headphones have recently been upgraded to remove all the metal parts. These noise-blocking headphones are perfect for your toddler.
The new upgrades make it easier to adjust the headband for a more comfortable fit. Along with being more comfortable, there are no pieces to potentially hurt your little one.
Babies as young as 6 months old or teens as old as 13 can use these headphones while traveling on an airplane.
I love the designs of these noise-reduction headphones. If you have an older kid with noise sensitivity, they can choose their favorite design.
Pros
- Affordable
- Fun designs
- No metal parts
- Additional ear pad cushion
- 1-Year warranty
Cons
- Low NRR
- Durability
Muted Designer Hearing Protection
Muted Designer Hearing Protection headphones are popular with parents who have children with sensory challenges.
These ear protection headphones are perfect for toddlers, kids, and even teens.
These earmuffs have an NRR rating of 27, so your kid’s ears are protected from loud noises with additional comfort.
One of the things that I like most about these headphones for flying is the quality materials.
These headphones are durable, so when your little one has a tantrum or an episode, these noise-canceling earmuffs can withstand any angry toddler.
The headband is cushioned, plus it is wrapped in a quality leather-like material and stitched together.
Unfortunately, there is only one design at this time, but more colors/designs become available periodically on Amazon.
Pros
- High NRR
- Compact
- Adjustable
- Durable
- Quality materials
Cons
- Expensive
- No color options
- Less cushioning than other headphones
Dr. Meter Kids Noise Reduction Earmuffs
Dr. Meter Kids Noise Reduction Earmuffs are the only pair of children’s headphones for flying that come in a set of two.
Having a set is a great deal for parents with multiple little ones. Along with being a great value, these baby noise blockers have the highest NRR rating in this section.
The cushions are soft, making them comfortable for your little one to wear for long periods.
There are different colors available, but the multi-pack only comes in green, which isn’t a big deal if you want to save a few dollars.
Many parents love using these headphones for autistic children with sound sensitivity. A higher NRR helps kids to relax in loud environments.
These are my second favorite baby headphones for airplane travel, so if you need headphones for your baby, look no further.
Pros
- Adjustable
- Durable
- 360 rotatable cups
- Affordable
- Comfortable headband padding
Cons
- Metal pieces
- Pinch hazard
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HEARTEK Noise Cancelling Headphones
The HEARTEK Noise Cancelling Headphones are the most affordable sound-reduction headphones on our list for kids. These headphones are comfortable, compact, colorful, and affordable.
If you are on a budget, these are great options. With an NRR of 27dB, your little ones hearing will be protected from prolonged exposure to loud sounds.
These headphones have a 5-year warranty, so if you run into any problems you can contact the company and get a replacement. That’s really standing behind your products.
With the long warranty, these kids’ noise-canceling headphones can grow with your little one, especially if they are sensitive to sound.
Pros
- Affordable
- Compact design
- Color options
- Comfortable
- 5-year warranty
Cons
- Durability
CHOOSING THE BEST BABY HEADPHONES FOR AIRPLANES
When choosing the best baby headphones for flying, there were a few things that we considered. The most important factors are; noise reduction rating, comfort, weight, and portability.
Here are the things we considered when looking for the best headphones for babies on planes.
Noise Reduction Rating
Noise Reduction Rating is a measure that determines how effective hearing protective devices are in reducing sound in a given environment. The highest level of NRR for the earmuffs in this article is 33 dB.
Although the math to determine noise reduction isn’t straightforward, having a higher NRR means more protection from outside noise, such as plane engines when flying with a baby.
If your baby is younger than 18 months, I recommend using the highest NRR headphones when flying with a baby. This will help protect their hearing until it is developed, which is around 2 years old.
Comfort
Comfort is at the top because if your little one isn’t comfortable, they won’t wear the ear protection headphones.
To test the comfort level, we wore them on our ears for a few hours. If we didn’t like the way they felt, I’m sure a baby wouldn’t be a fan.
The more comfortable they are, the more likely your baby is to wear them without getting fussy.
Weight
Weight comes into play when your little one starts to lift their head.
We know how hard they work during tummy time, so if you plan on flying around the time they start to learn how to control their head, weight can be a factor.
Having lightweight baby headphones for flying will allow your baby to explore (look around) without getting frustrated.
If your little one isn’t an infant, weight isn’t as much of a factor.
Design
A crucial element that all baby headphones for flying need to have are an adjustable head strap, cushion for their heads, and ear cups that do not put pressure on their heads. That is why the design is crucial when looking for the best baby airplane ear protection.
The design will determine if it is a good fit for your baby. Although some ear protection can be great for airplanes, be sure to look for infant headphones for flying.
Portability
We travel frequently and try to travel as lightly as possible, so having baby airplane headphones that fit inside our travel diaper bag is crucial. Although this isn’t an essential factor, it is something to be considered.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HEADPHONES FOR BABIES ON PLANES
Do babies need headphones on planes?
The answer to this question depends on your level of comfort flying with your baby without noise-canceling headphones.
Although babies do not NEED headphones on an airplane, I highly recommend buying baby headphones for flying.
As adults, we aren’t as bothered by the noise, but for a baby whose hearing is still developing, using infant headphones for flying is a good idea.
Do earmuffs help the baby on airplanes?
YES!!! Baby headphones for airplanes are the best way to protect your little one’s ears/hearing.
Although ear muffs will not stop your baby’s ears from popping, they will protect your baby’s hearing, which is still developing until two years of age.
What helps baby ears on a plane?
If your baby is bothered by the altitude when flying (ears popping), sucking can help relieve the pressure. Having your baby breastfeed, suck a pacifier, or drink a bottle can help.
On the other hand, if you want to protect your baby’s ear from the noise on an airplane, having a quality pair of baby ear muffs for flying will help protect their ears.
These infant headphones for flying will help protect your baby’s hearing from the loud noise while on a flight.
Can babies wear noise-cancelling headphones?
YES!!! Noise-cancelling headphones are the best way to protect your baby when flying.
Keep in mind, the noise-cancelling headphones we are referring to are meant to reduce outside noise, so these are regular headphones.
Babies cannot wear traditional headphones that we used to listen to music or movies. Regular headphones are not equipped to provide the proper hearing protection babies need.
They can, however, wear baby ear muffs for flying. These are headphones just for babies on planes or in loud environments, like the ones we’ve listed above.