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For new parents, traveling with a baby can feel overwhelming. There are so many things you need to think about and pack. If you’re planning air travel with your baby, you might be wondering how the loud noises from the plane could affect their little ears. In this post, I’ll share what you should look for as you shop for the best headphones for babies on planes.
It’s no secret that prolonged exposure to extremely loud noises can cause noise-induced hearing loss. Studies show that if you are expecting to be exposed to noise in the 85-90 decibel range for an extended period of time, you should consider ear protection for your baby.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), noise levels on airplanes can reach the following:
- 60-65 decibels before takeoff
- 80-85 decibels during the flight
- 75-80 decibels during landing
For the most part, an airplane provides ambient noise that could help rock your baby to sleep. However, it’s hard to predict the loud and sometimes startling announcements over the intercom, turbulence, and the different noises they’ll hear as the plane lands that could startle your baby awake.
In this blog, we’ll tell you everything you need to consider when it comes to your baby’s little ears during a plane ride. We’ll also give you a list of the 20 best headphones for babies on planes so you’ll be able to easily choose a good option for your little one.
Click here to jump to the list.
While Putting Together This List Of The 20 Best Headphones for Babies on Planes, I Focused On Five Key Factors:
- Noise Reduction Rating (NRR)
- Comfort
- Age
- Portability
- Price
Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) vs. Single Number Rating (SNR)
Simply put, the Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) and Single Number Rating (SNR) are both measured in decibels (dB) and will tell you how effective the headphones are at reducing noise. The difference between the two is that an SNR rating typically displays 2-3 decibels higher than an NRR. The scores for both range from 0 to 33. The higher the number, the better the headphones are at reducing noise.
Comfort
Babies will let you know if they’re uncomfortable. How do they do that? They cry! A crying baby on long flights is every new parent’s worst nightmare. That’s why comfort is key when it comes to headphones for babies flying on airplanes. When it comes to newborn babies, headphones with elastic bands that keep the pressure off their fontanelle are great options.
Weight
The lighter the headphones, the more comfortable they’ll be for your baby. If headphones are too heavy, it could make it hard for your baby to lift up their head.
Portability
There is already a lot to pack for airplane travel with a baby. The headphones you choose should be easy to pack and not take up too much space in your carry-on or diaper bag.
Price
The most expensive brands aren’t always the best. This list will contain headphones at a variety of price points to fit every budget.
20 Best Headphones For Babies On Planes
Now that you have a little background and understand what to look for as you peruse the different options, let’s get to it!
PORMUCAL Baby Ear Protection
| NNR | 27dB |
| Comfort | Soft, padded, adjustable headband, ear cups designed not to put much pressure on ears |
| Weight | 5.3 ounces |
| Portability | Foldable design and comes with carry case |
| Price | $21.90 |
| Pros | Includes animal ears for added cuteness, designed for newborns |
| Cons | Not very flexible |
ZIPZ Baby Ear Muffs
| NNR | 22dB |
| Comfort | Soft ear padding and headband |
| Weight | 3 ounces |
| Portability | Not foldable |
| Price | $19.95 |
| Pros | Interchangeable ear cup shells to change up design, fits newborns, supporting small business |
| Cons | Extra shells are sold separately |
TOODOO Baby Ear Protection Headphones
| NNR | 29dB |
| Comfort | Elastic, adjustable band and cushioned ear cups |
| Weight | 6.7 ounces |
| Portability | Foldable design and comes with carrying case |
| Price | $14.99 |
| Pros | Protects fontanelle, cute designs |
| Cons | Not designed for all babies (made for 3 months and older) |
Jonesy Locker Ear Protection
| NNR | 23dB |
| Comfort | Soft, elastic headband and padded ear cups |
| Weight | Not available. |
| Portability | Foldable design and comes with carrying case |
| Price | $18.99 |
| Pros | Protects fontanelle, made of sustainable materials, designed for newborns, supporting small business |
| Cons | None. |
WORCBGIO Infant Ear Protection
| NNR | 29dB |
| Comfort | Elastic, adjustable headband and cushioned ear cups |
| Weight | 5.6 ounces |
| Portability | Foldable and comes with carrying case |
| Price | $14.99 |
| Pros | Protects fontanelle, designed for newborns, variety of headband patterns to choose from |
| Cons | None. |
Muffybaby Ear Protection
| SNR | 26dB |
| Comfort | Soft, elastic band is adjustable |
| Weight | 5.9 ounces |
| Portability | Foldable design, comes with a carrying bag |
| Price | $29.99 |
| Pros | No pressure on fontanelle (soft spot on top of baby’s head), adjustable anti-slip headband, designed for newborns |
| Cons | Could potentially slide down to cover baby’s eyes |
Lysian Baby Ear Muffs
| SNR | 24dB |
| Comfort | Ear pads are made of a foam material and soft artificial leather, elastic headband is adjustable to fit all head sizes |
| Weight | Not available. |
| Portability | Foldable design, comes with a carrying bag |
| Price | $21.99 |
| Pros | No pressure on fontanelle (soft spot on top of baby’s head), adjustable headband |
| Cons | Could potentially slide down to cover baby’s eyes |
BANZ Ear Muffs
| SNR | 31dB |
| Comfort | Soft padding on ears and headband |
| Weight | 5 ounces |
| Portability | Foldable design, but the carrying case is sold separately |
| Price | $30 |
| Pros | Designed for newborns all the way up to 2 years old |
| Cons | Carrying case is an extra cost |
Snug Kids Ear Protection
| SNR | 25dB |
| Comfort | Padded ear cushions and headband |
| Weight | Not available. |
| Portability | Foldable design |
| Price | $22.99 |
| Pros | Available in a variety of fun designs, adjustable |
| Cons | Not designed for all babies (made for 6 months and older) |
Snug Baby Earmuffs
| SNR | 23dB |
| Comfort | Soft, padded ear cushions and padded, adjustable headband |
| Weight | Not available. |
| Portability | Not foldable |
| Price | $13.99 |
| Pros | Designed for babies of all ages, one of the most inexpensive on the list |
| Cons | Not foldable for easy transport |
BBTKCARE Baby Noise Reduction Headphones
| SNR | Not available. |
| Comfort | Padded, adjustable ear cushions and headband, doesn’t put much pressure on the head |
| Weight | 6.4 ounces |
| Portability | Not foldable |
| Price | $20.99 |
| Pros | Available in a variety of colors, adjustable headband |
| Cons | Not designed for all babies (made for 3 months and older) |
Friday 7Care Baby Ear Protection
| SNR | Not available. |
| Comfort | Padded, ear cushions and adjustable headband |
| Weight | 4.9 ounces |
| Portability | Not foldable |
| Price | $19.95 |
| Pros | Designed for newborns all the way through 2 years old, very lightweight design, variety of color options |
| Cons | Not foldable for easy transport |
ZOHAN Kids Ear Protection
| SNR | 25dB |
| Comfort | Padded ear cushions and adjustable headband, doesn’t put much pressure on the head |
| Weight | 9.6 ounces |
| Portability | Foldable design and comes with carrying case |
| Price | $15.99 |
| Pros | Variety of bright colors and designs to choose from |
| Cons | Heaviest on our list, not designed for all babes (made for 6 months and older) |
HEARTEK Noise Canceling Headphones
| NNR | 27dB |
| Comfort | Padded ear cups that rotate for the best fit, adjustable headband |
| Weight | Not available. |
| Portability | Foldable and comes with carrying case |
| Price | $10.67 |
| Pros | Variety of colors to choose from, most inexpensive on the list |
| Cons | None. |
3M Kids Hearing Protection
| NNR | 23dB |
| Comfort | Adjustable headband and cushioned ear cups |
| Weight | 14.9 ounces |
| Portability | Foldable design |
| Price | $28 |
| Pros | Variety of colors choices |
| Cons | Heavy compared to others on the list, might be too heavy for small babies |
My Happy Tot Noise Cancelling Headphones
| NNR | Not available. |
| Comfort | Ear pads deflate slightly for added comfort, padded headband |
| Weight | 8.4 ounces |
| Portability | Not foldable |
| Price | $17.99 |
| Pros | Adjustable to fit most head sizes |
| Cons | Not foldable or compact. |
Lucid HearMuffs
| NNR | 21dB |
| Comfort | A “grow band” allows it to adjust to your baby’s head, flexible design |
| Weight | 8.8 ounces |
| Portability | Not foldable |
| Price | $14.95 |
| Pros | Includes a “grow band” to fit all head sizes |
| Cons | Not as much padding as others on the list |
Mumba Baby Noise Cancelling Headphones
| NNR | 31dB |
| Comfort | Foam-padded ear cups and adjustable headband |
| Weight | 4.5 ounces |
| Portability | Not foldable |
| Price | $20.95 |
| Pros | Variety of cute color combinations to choose from |
| Cons | Not designed for all babies (made for 3 months and older) |
Mommy’s Helper Hush Gear Noise Cancelling Headphones
| NNR | 28dB |
| Comfort | Soft, elastic headband and cushioned ear cups |
| Weight | 3.84 ounces |
| Portability | Foldable design |
| Price | $13.27 |
| Pros | Soft and adjustable headband makes for an easy fit, protects fontanelle |
| Cons | Not designed for all babies (made for 3 months and older) |
NENOS Baby Ear Protection
| NNR | Not available. |
| Comfort | Padded ear cup and adjustable headband |
| Weight | Not available. |
| Portability | Not foldable |
| Price | $13.99 |
| Pros | Designed for newborns |
| Cons | Only available in pink |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About The Best Headphones For Babies On Planes
Do babies need headphones for airplane travel?
Whether babies need headphones for air travel depends on your baby and who you ask. My husband, Clark, and I typically don’t use our baby’s headphones while flying because the ambient noise is enough to rock him to sleep most of the time. We do appreciate having them when the intercom volume is loud and startling, which is unpredictable. Sometimes it’s quiet, and other times it’s so loud it causes me to jump out of my seat. When I notice it’s a loud plane with a lot of noises that could potentially interrupt Parks’ nap, we use his headphones. It’s a good idea to have a pair handy just in case. I hope our list of the best headphones for babies on planes was helpful in deciding which will work best for you.
What can I do to prevent my baby’s ears from popping on an airplane?
To prevent ear pain due to airplane pressure changes, I recommend feeding them during the ascent and descent. Whether you nurse or mix a bottle, feeding your baby forces them to swallow, which is the best way to keep their little ears popping to prevent that ear pressure build-up.
Not all babies are sensitive to air pressure change, though. When we first started flying with Parks, I did everything I could to feed him on take-off and landing. Sometimes, the hum of the engine was too much for him and he simply couldn’t keep his eyes open long enough to feed. Turns out, Parks isn’t sensitive to pressure changes, so I didn’t need to worry about it so much. I still make every effort to feed him when pressure changes are likely, but so far, he doesn’t seem to mind.
Can I use earplugs instead of headphones on my baby to block outside noise?
You probably could, but I wouldn’t recommend it. It takes a pretty small ear plug to fit into a baby’s ears and even then, those are typically designed to keep water out of your baby’s ears rather than blocking background noise. Ear plugs are probably better suited for young children and older children. I highly recommend taking a look at our list of the best headphones for babies on planes. There is something for every baby on this list.
Can I use headphones with bluetooth connectivity and play music with a volume control limit?
When it comes to babies, I wouldn’t recommend using headphones that play music. Have you ever worn headphones for a long-haul flight? Eventually, your ears might start to hurt even if you aren’t listening at high volumes. Your baby’s ears are very sensitive and still developing, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you’d like to play music for your baby, make sure you’re using good headphones and you set a volume limit.
Will my baby still enjoy the kid’s movies available in the in-flight entertainment without the use of headphones?
Yes. Babies are primarily drawn to bright colors, contrasting colors, and patterns. They most likely won’t notice that they aren’t hearing the audio that comes from the movie or TV show on the screen.