Can flying damage a baby’s ears?

It’s unlikely flying will cause ear damage, but babies are very susceptible to ear pain while flying. Young babies have not developed the ability to regularize their ear pressure by yawning or swallowing, so they don’t know how to relieve the abrupt changes in pressure when the plane is taking off or landing. To prevent ear pain and discomfort, babies should wear ear protection whenever they’re travelling on a plane.

How do I protect my baby’s ears when flying?

There are a few ear protection options that are specifically designed for infants and children. At Earjobs, we strongly recommend products with a high SLC80 rating (or NRR / SNR rating), which significantly reduce noise.Ear muffs – These are the best children’s flight ear plugs because they are easy to wear and remove, and they’re not a choking hazard. Some earmuffs are equipped with a headband that goes around the head to keep them secure even when the child crawls or rolls on the floor. Earjobs has a collection of noise-cancelling earmuffs which also offer protection from sudden sound spikes that can frighten a young baby, like flight announcements.Pressure relief ear plugs – These are designed to help the ear adjust to sudden air pressure changes, so they’re ideal for take-offs and landings. However, they’re best suited to toddlers and older children, as they present a choking hazard to young babies.Regular ear plugs – Mouldable wax and silicone baby ear plugs for flying can be worn by infants as well as older children. They’re good for reducing noise, but they’re not very effective for pressure protection. Their pliable form allows them to fit into smaller ear canals, and mouldable silicone are also reusable — just be sure to rinse them with mild soap and water and store them in a cool, dry place. To remove, gently twist the ear plug, then pull outwards.It is important to note that cotton balls are not sufficient ear protection for children. Cotton is a choking hazard for young babies, and there’s the risk that bits of cotton can be left in the ear canal, causing more pain or discomfort.

At what age is it safe for babies to fly?

Some airlines will allow babies as young as two days old to fly. But many airlines will require a letter from a doctor on the suitability to fly if the baby is less than two weeks old. A baby with a cough, cold or ear infection should avoid flying because the air pressure pain will be worse.

Buy Children's Flying Ear Plugs & Ear Muffs Online New Zealand

If you’ve ever wondered why babies are often fussy during flights, it’s not just the noise or change in routine—it’s because they’re experiencing uncomfortable ear pressure, a sensation they don’t yet understand or know how to manage. During take-off and landing, cabin pressure changes rapidly, which can cause ear pain or discomfort, especially in young children whose ear canals are still developing. To help ease their experience (and yours), we’ve curated a collection of the best ear protection products designed specifically for babies and toddlers. From soft, lightweight earmuffs to gentle earplugs, each item is carefully selected to reduce noise and pressure discomfort, making air travel smoother, quieter, and safer for your little one.

Which Children's Flying Ear Plugs & Ear Muffs are right for me?

Why do babies and kids get sore ears on planes?

Babies and children are more likely to experience aeroplane ear — that painful popping or pressure feeling caused by rapid changes in cabin pressure during take-off and landing. Their smaller, still-developing ear canals make it harder to naturally equalise pressure, which can lead to discomfort, crying, or blocked ears during a flight.

For children aged 3 and up, flying ear plugs with built-in pressure-regulating filters can help ease the adjustment and make the journey more comfortable. For babies and toddlers, sucking or swallowing (with a dummy, bottle, or breastfeeding) during take-off and descent is the best way to encourage natural pressure relief, paired with baby earmuffs to promote calm and relaxation.

Ear Plugs vs Ear Muffs

It depends on your child’s age and needs. For children over 3, flying ear plugs are best for relieving ear pressure during take-off and landing. They're designed to regulate airflow in the ear and reduce the discomfort of pressure changes.

For babies and younger toddlers, ear muffs are the safer, age-appropriate option. While they won’t regulate pressure, they offer effective noise reduction, which can help settle little ones in loud environments. Some parents use both — ear muffs for noise, and natural sucking/swallowing for pressure relief — for the smoothest possible flight.

Need help choosing? Take our handy quiz.

Flying ear protection for babies and kids

Air travel can be a challenge for young ears, especially during take-off and landing when pressure changes are at their peak. Babies and children are more sensitive to these changes, and unlike adults, they haven’t yet developed the ability to relieve pressure naturally by yawning or swallowing.

At Earjobs, we stock a full range of flying ear protection options designed specifically for infants, toddlers, and children. From soft, secure earmuffs to pressure-relieving plugs, you can make every journey more comfortable for your little one — and more peaceful for you.

There are a few ear protection options that are specifically designed for infants and children. At Earjobs, we strongly recommend products with a high SLC80 rating (or NRR / SNR rating), which significantly reduce noise.

Ear muffs – These are the best children’s flight ear plugs because they are easy to wear and remove, and they’re not a choking hazard. Some earmuffs are equipped with a headband that goes around the head to keep them secure even when the child crawls or rolls on the floor. Earjobs has a collection of noise-cancelling earmuffs which also offer protection from sudden sound spikes that can frighten a young baby, like flight announcements.

Pressure relief ear plugs – These are designed to help the ear adjust to sudden air pressure changes, so they’re ideal for take-offs and landings. However, they’re best suited to toddlers and older children, as they present a choking hazard to young babies.

Regular ear plugs – Mouldable wax and silicone baby ear plugs for flying can be worn by infants as well as older children. They’re good for reducing noise, but they’re not very effective for pressure protection. Their pliable form allows them to fit into smaller ear canals, and mouldable silicone are also reusable — just be sure to rinse them with mild soap and water and store them in a cool, dry place. To remove, gently twist the ear plug, then pull outwards.

It is important to note that cotton balls are not sufficient ear protection for children. Cotton is a choking hazard for young babies, and there’s the risk that bits of cotton can be left in the ear canal, causing more pain or discomfort.