Traveling with kids can be a challenge, especially if you’re on a plane. There can be a lot of noise that can make napping a challenge. You’re also extremely limited to how much you can move and what you can do. That’s why many parents look for activities that will keep their babies and toddlers occupied. They bring along tablets to play with and movies to watch to pass the time. Between technology and naps come the need for headphones. The people next to you don’t want to hear “Baby Shark” for hours!
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Since babies are smaller and have different needs, their headphones are going to be different as well. You would be surprised at how many different types of headphones there are for babies.
Let’s take a look at why headphones for babies on planes are important, what to for when buying a pair, and of course, the best ones out there.
In this article
- Why Your Baby and Toddler Need Headphones on a Plane
- How to Choose the Right Headphones for Babies on Planes
- 10 Best Headphones for Babies on Planes
- #1. CozyPhones Kids Headphones
- #2. BBTKCARE Baby Ear Protection Noise Cancelling Headphones
- #3. Baby Ear Protection Headphones by Mumba
- #4. MPow CH1 Kids Headphones
- #5. Baby Ear Protection Noise Cancelling Headphones by Damaiu
- #6. Friday Baby Ear Protection
- #7. HEARTEK Kids Ear Protection
- #8. ONANOFF Buddy Phones
- #9. Alpine Baby Muff Ear Protection
- #10. Beautyu Baby Ear Protection Noise Cancelling Headphones
- The Bottom Line on Headphones for Babies and Toddlers on Planes
In a Hurry? Here is our Top Pick!
| Title | Price | Prime | Buy | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Top | CozyPhones Kids Headphones | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | BBTKCARE Earmuffs | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | Baby Ear Protection Noise Cancelling Headphones | PrimeEligible | Buy Now |
Why Your Baby and Toddler Need Headphones on a Plane
When you invest in a pair of headphones for babies on planes, you can also use them for other functions. Headphones can help at concerts and other events that may be loud and hurtful to babies’ ears. Here are a few of the reasons why your baby could use a pair.
Noise Protection
Headphones help to protect the ears from high decibels. The average conversation is at a range of 60 decibels. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, regularly being around noise that’s more than 85 decibels can cause hearing loss.
If you give your baby or toddler headphones, you want to be sure that the volume is not that loud. Using low-volume headphones can help to prevent this from happening.
Noise-canceling headphones can not only help babies listen to devices at a reasonable level, but they can also help to drown out the noise on a plane. Many people also use them at fireworks displays. You don’t have to miss out on the fun, just protect your baby’s ears.
Headphones can also help children who have special needs. For many children with autism, too much sound can lead to a sensory meltdown. Controlling the sound with headphones can help.
When your baby and toddler use headphones, don’t keep them on for long periods of time. It’s recommended that babies don’t use headphones for more than two hours a day. So, if you are using them on a plane, perhaps you take a few breaks with books and snacks. This can make the ride more enjoyable for everyone.
How to Choose the Right Headphones for Babies on Planes
If you’ve been looking around, you’ll see just how many different types of headphones there are to choose from. These are the things you’ll want to consider:
What Type of Protection do you Want?
One of the first things you’ll notice is that there are headphones for babies as well as earmuffs. We’re not talking about the earmuffs they can wear in the winter. Some earmuffs can block out sound. But, you can’t use them to plug into a device. Don’t get the two confused.
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When it comes to headphones for babies on planes, you want to look for ones that have a volume limiting function. This can help to make sure the sound doesn’t get too loud for your baby.
The next thing to consider is the size of the headphones. Many have adjustable headbands that fit over the baby’s head. You don’t want babies to wear earbuds. Stick with headphones. Look to see if the headphones fit over the ear or on the ear. The ones that fit over the ear keep the noise out best while the ones that fit on the ear are more comfortable, but allow more background noise to filter in.
Look to see if the headphones are wired or wireless. The wireless ones may come in handy with babies so that they’re not tugging on the cord. Also, you may want to keep the cost in mind. Look to see the age and size limit on the headphones to be sure you are getting the most value for your money.
10 Best Headphones for Babies on Planes
Now that you know what to look for in the best headphones, here’s our list of the 10 best headphones for babies on planes.
- CozyPhones Kids Headphones
- BBTKCARE Baby Ear Protection Noise Cancelling Headphones
- Baby Ear Protection Headphones by Mumba
- MPow CH1 Kids Headphones
- Baby Ear Protection Noise Cancelling Headphones by Damaiu
- Friday Baby Ear Protection
- HEARTEK Kids Ear Protection
- ONANOFF Buddy Phones
- Alpine Baby Muff Ear Protection
- Beautyu Baby Ear Protection Noise Cancelling Headphones
#1. CozyPhones Kids Headphones
When you first look at these headphones, you may think that you’ve got the wrong product because they don’t look like your traditional headphones. That’s one of the reasons why we love these so much!
They look like a regular headband that kids would wear, but they also have headphone protection. They have an ultra-thin ⅛” volume-limiting speakers and a durable extra-long tangle- free braided cable. They are also compatible with the majority of devices out there. Because of their size, they are best recommended for toddlers from the age of 3 and up.
These are a great alternative for kids who don’t like to wear traditional headphones over their ears. They also come with a little bonus that can be great for plane travel. You can pull the headband over the child’s eyes so that it becomes a sleep mask! We all know how difficult it can be to fall asleep on a plane.
Pros:
- Comfortable Design
- Comes in different character choices
- Reasonably priced
- Foldable and extremely portable
Cons:
- Not recommended for babies, just for ages 3 and up
#2. BBTKCARE Baby Ear Protection Noise Cancelling Headphones
These headphones are a great choice for your smaller children. They protect your baby from harsh noises and make it easier for them to sleep on a plane. While they don’t have the capability to plug into a device, they will drown out the noise for them. They are ideal for fireworks, loud outdoor events, concerts, and traveling.
By the look, you’ll see that these are more of a traditional set of headphones. They have a soft-padded design that makes them comfortable for your baby’s sensitive ears and head. They are also adjustable, so you can custom-fit them to your baby’s head. Price-wise they are also reasonable.
Pros:
- Comfortable design
- Keeps noise out, making sleeping easier for baby
- Adjustable
- Reasonably-priced
Cons:
- No connectivity option for devices
#3. Baby Ear Protection Headphones by Mumba
Here’s another pair of headphones made especially for baby’s little ears. This is another option if you’re looking to just drown out sound and don’t need them to connect to a device.
These headphones are designed for children ages 3 months to 3 years. They are made with a professional noise-dampening sponge and thickening solid cup to protect your child’s ears. With these headphones, there’s no pressure on the baby’s ears or head.
If you’re going to a concert, on a plane, fireworks display, or another outdoor event, these headphones can allow your baby (and you) to have an enjoyable experience without having to worry about noise.
Pros:
- Reasonably priced
- Designed for children ages 3 months to 3 years
- Good option for fireworks displays or other outdoor events
Cons:
- No connectivity option to devices
#4. MPow CH1 Kids Headphones
If you’re looking for a pair of headphones to drown out sound and to plug into devices, this is an excellent choice. These headphones contain a noise-limiting function that won’t allow the volume to surpass 85 decibels.
There is an adjustable headband so they will fit any child’s head. There are also cushioned earpads without any sharp corners. This helps to make the headphones comfortable for kids.
One of the cool things about these headphones is that they can be connected to another pair without a splitter. There is a sharing interface on the right side that lets kids connect with another set of headphones. If you have siblings sharing a device on a plane, this option can be a lifesaver!
When you buy a pair of these headphones, you’ll have them for a long time as they’re recommended for children ages 2 months to 3 years-old. For the price and the use, these are a good investment for traveling with your kids.
Pros:
- Can be used to connect to devices
- Has a sharing interface with no splitter needed
- Good for children ages 2 months-3 years old
- Adjustable and portable
- Volume-limiting option
Cons:
- No wireless connectivity listed
#5. Baby Ear Protection Noise Cancelling Headphones by Damaiu
If you’re looking to protect your baby’s ears from noise while on the plane so that they can get a good nap in, you may want to consider these headphones. We like these because they are recommended for newborns where some other options start at the 2 or 3 month-mark.
These offer baby’s protection from noises on planes, trains, and concerts, fireworks displays, as well as other loud outdoor activities. The sides are adjustable and they have a good amount of cushion for your baby’s tiny ears. So, they’re a good fit for many different-sized babies and are good as they grow.
They are reasonably priced considering the fact that they can’t be plugged into any devices.
Pros:
- Newborns can use them
- Good to keep out noise on planes and at loud events
- Adjustable
- Reasonably-priced
Cons:
- No wire to connect to devices
#6. Friday Baby Ear Protection
Here is another option if you’re looking to protect your newborn’s ears on a plane. The Friday Baby Ear Protection headphones are made especially for newborns to 2-year-olds. These have the over-the-ear cups that we mentioned earlier. If you think your baby may find these more comfortable then headphones, this could be a good option for you. These are extremely lightweight, so they’re good for traveling. They also have a soft, leather head-band so they won’t hurt your baby’s head.
Since these headphones are made to keep noise out, they can make it easier for your baby to fall asleep on an airplane. One of the only downsides is that they can’t connect to a device. While this may not be a concern for a newborn, it may be for parents of older children.
Compared to other headphones with the same features, these are a bit pricer than other models.
Pros:
- Good at keeping sound out, making napping on planes easier
- Soft headband design
- Made for newborns to age 2
Cons:
- No device connectivity option
- A bit pricer than other models
#7. HEARTEK Kids Ear Protection
For the price, this pair of ear protection muffs is a good deal, especially if you just want something to keep the sound out when you’re on the airplane with your baby. They are padded and have rotating ear cups that fit comfortably and are soundproof.
These are good for infants and toddlers, so you can really get your money’s worth. They are easy to adjust and good for different-sized heads. One bonus here is that they come with metal connectors that can be taken out or added so that they really can fit all babies and toddlers. They fold up, making them good for travel because they won’t take up a lot of space in your carry-on bag.
These are also ideal for loud events, such as fireworks and concerts. The one drawback is that they can’t plug into any device. They are strictly to block out noise.
Pros:
- Foldable and Portable
- Connectors that can be taken out or added
- Reasonably priced
- Comes with a travel bag
Cons:
- No connectivity option for devices
#8. ONANOFF Buddy Phones
These headphones are best for the ages 3 and up crowd. They have a built-in volume-limiting circuitry that protects kids’ ears. Volume is limited at 85 decibels. There is also the bonus of a shareable audio cable with a built-in microphone. Make sure that feature is not operating on the airplane!
The shareable audio cable also has up to four sets of headphones to be plugged into one device. They also have custom-designed sticker illustrations which are fun. The ONAOFF Buddy Phones come in a big variety of designs and colors, so your child is bound to find one that they love. While these may cost more than some other models, some added features make them worth it.
Although kids under three may not be able to use them, once you do get them, your child can use them as they get older. So, if you don’t have a small baby, these could be on your list.
Pros:
- Can connect with four other sets of headphones for sharing
- Volume-limiting control, no audio higher than 85 decibels
- Built-in microphone
Cons:
- Recommended for ages 3 and up, not newborns
- Costs more than others, but there are some unique features
#9. Alpine Baby Muff Ear Protection
When you’re looking for the best headphones for babies and toddlers and planes, these may be a good option if you’re just looking to block out sound. They are also lightweight and come in a handy travel bag. Unlike other headphones, they have an adjustable band instead of a harder arch around the baby’s head. This may make them more comfortable.
These headphones also have a noise reduction rating of 18 decibels to protect your baby’s ears and hearing. When you’re on an airplane, it will help to reduce the sound level so that your baby can relax and sleep without being disturbed.
One thing to note is that they are higher priced than other headphones that don’t have the connectivity option. There are other headphones on the market that have more functions and cost less. So, be sure to do your homework so that you find the best headphones for your baby.
Pros:
- Folds compactly
- Comes with a Travel bag
- Unique design that may be more comfortable than regular models
Cons:
- More expensive than other models
- No connectivity option
- May be limited to baby-only use
#10. Beautyu Baby Ear Protection Noise Cancelling Headphones
Here is another option if you’re looking for simple noise protection and don’t need to connect to a device. These are ideal for newborns because they cancel out noise well. They have a noise reduction rating of 31 decibels. They are priced very well for what they offer.
With a comfortable head supporting foam, these should be gentle and soft enough for your baby’s skin. These are adjustable and comfy for your baby while keeping the noise out. That’s one of the reasons why these are good headphones for babies on planes. They’ll keep the noise out so that your baby can enjoy the plane ride and get a good nap in before landing. They are also good for noisy events such as concerts and other events.
Pros:
- Comfortable design
- Noise reduction rating of 31 decibels
- Reasonably-priced
Cons:
- Just for noise reduction, no connectivity options
The Bottom Line on Headphones for Babies and Toddlers on Planes
When it comes to headphones for babies and toddlers the product you buy will depend on how long you want to be able to use them and for what function.
Because of their unique design and ability to also be used as a sleep mask, our favorite is the CozyPhones Kids Headphones. The idea that they’re fun-looking and comfortable means that you won’t have to force your child to put them on. We all know how annoying that can be, especially when you’re traveling. They can keep the sound out and are also compatible with the majority of devices out there.
If you just want baby headphones with no connectivity headphones, our top pick is the BBTKCARE Baby Ear Protection Noise Cancelling Headphones. They keep a good amount of noise out while traveling, making it easier for your baby to sleep on the plane.
Remember, the more comfortable and happy your child is while flying, the happier you’ll be, as well as your fellow passengers. Here’s to safe and quiet travels!
