13 Best Baby Headphones for Ear Protection in 2023

16 Aug.,2023

 

Keep your child’s ears protected from the cold and loud noises with our list of the best baby ear protection. When it’s cold, your baby has to be swaddled in warm clothes, such as sweaters, socks, gloves, and caps. Ear protection is also necessary to keep the cold away. They also prevent exposure to noise pollution and thus are important if you take your child to crowded places.

You might think that using a regular cap to cover your baby’s ears might be enough, but they are not equipped to protect your baby from noise. Newborns have delicate eardrums that can easily be damaged when continuously exposed to harsh traffic sounds or loud music, and they need to be protected with the best baby headphones. These ear protections are available in various sizes, designs, and colors to go with your baby’s outfits and to suit their requirements. So, check out our list and choose the right ear protection for your child.

Why Do Infants Need Baby Headphones?

As infants and babies are more sensitive and susceptible to loud noises than adults are, it is important to cover their ears with headphones for added protection. Along with this, protecting them with little earmuffs for babies can help reduce noise-induced hearing loss and also help the child sleep better, and the benefits of sleeping are many.

When Should Infants Wear Baby Headphones?

Children who fall between the ages of 0-18 months will do well with baby headphones. As any noise over 85 dBA can affect a baby’s ear negatively, parents should keep earmuffs or headphones handy at all times.

13 Best Baby Ear Protections

4.5

Image: Dr. Meter

Safeguard your kids’ ears from music, traffic sounds, and other disturbing elements with the Dr. Meter Kids Protective Earmuffs. Placed among the best baby headphones, these children’s earmuffs come with comfortable ear cushions and a headband crafted with high-density soft foam covering. The band is wrapped by a leather belt for a comfortable and snug fit. It is also equipped with adjustable stainless pins that are connected to the band and ear cushions to fit any head size. These earmuffs for babies have a noise reduction rating of 27 NRR. Use it while flying or at parties to keep your little ones’ ears safe. They meet the safety norms of European Safety Standards and American Standard Institute. If you want to find out more about this product and its usage, make sure to check out this review on YouTube.

Material: PU leather, high-density sponge| Color: Blue| Noise reduction rating (NRR): 27 dB| Adjustable: Yes

Pros

  • 360° rotatable ear parts
  • Foldable body
  • Lightweight
  • Available in other colors
  • Soundproof

Cons

  • May not be suitable for sounds louder than 100 dB.

Point to consider

Point to consider

Never submerge these protective earmuffs in water, as it may damage the cushion and the noise cancellation technology. Clean the surface with warm water and soap.


Price at the time of publication: $13.79

Infants usually get cranky when they wake up to loud noises or constantly hear loud sounds. Keep the loud noise at bay using the BBTKCARE Baby Hearing Protection Headphones. One of the best infant headphones, these are designed for newborns and kids aged 3 months to 2 years. It comes with an adjustable band that puts zero pressure on the ears of little ones, and the soft ear cups and headband help keep your little ones skin rash-free. Noise levels of 28 dB – 31 dB are cut off with the help of these headphones. If you need further convincing, check this YouTuber’s review out.

Material: Plastic, leather| Color: Blue| NRR: NA| Adjustable: Yes

Pros

  • Lightweight and portable
  • For infants and toddlers
  • High-quality materials
  • Wide range of color options

Cons

  • The product may emit a strong plastic smell initially.

Price at the time of publication: $20.99

3.

Best Flexible:

Friday 7Care Baby Headphones

4.5

Image: Friday 7 Care

The Friday 7Care baby earmuffs can help protect your baby’s sensitive ears, allowing you to go to crowded, noisy places easily. Designed for newborns, infants, and toddlers, these noise-canceling headphones for babies are adjustable and enable your little one to wear them for hours without discomfort. These headphones are available in various fun colors. They have a thick shell for added protection and enough internal space to prevent pressure. Replete with useful features, these easily fall among the best baby headphones for your little one.

Material: Plastic| Color: Green| NRR: NA| Adjustable: Yes

Pros

  • Soft padded headbands
  • Non-toxic cushion cups
  • Cancels noise effectively
  • Ergonomic design

Cons

  • Might be bulky for some children
  • Some might find the size to be a little small

Price at the time of publication: $19.95

4.5

Image: 3m

Block out loud noise levels at any loud events or simply a lawnmower with the 3M Kids Hearing Protection Adjustable Headband. These noise-canceling headphones for babies are designed for kids 3 years and up and block out close to 23 dB. The cushioned earpiece and headband come with an adjustable stainless steel clip for a better fit. These wireless headphones are ideal for muffling noise while your kids are studying, sleeping, or traveling.

Material: Plastic, padded| Color: Purple| NRR: 23 dB| Adjustable: Yes

Pros

  • Foldable headband
  • Flexible body
  • Travel-friendly
  • Long-lasting and durable material

Cons

  • The band might be a little heavy on the heads of little kids.

Price at the time of publication: $37.61

4.5

Image: Workglovesdepot

With six layers of soundproofing foam, these premium-quality headphones are designed to absorb different bands of sound frequencies. The earmuffs for babies can block around 34db, making them suitable for fireworks, festivals, concerts, and sports events. Furthermore, the headphones are adjustable by more than one inch to suit children and adults. With this one, your little one can rest or nap calmly through parties, flights, and events without loud noises disturbing them or harming their delicate ears.

Material: ABS| Color: Blue| NRR: 34 dB| Adjustable: Yes

Pros

  • Solid industrial-grade quality
  • No battery or charge required
  • Comfortable
  • Cups twilt and swivel for the right fit

Cons

  • Might be a little heavy for young babies
  • Might run small for some

Price at the time of publication: $13.87

4.3

Image: Alpinehearingprotection

For about 18 months, toddlers have a soft spot on the top of their skull called the fontanelle. Alpine’s Hearing Protection Baby Soundproof Headphones, one of the best baby headphones in the market, are uniquely designed, keeping the fontanelle in mind, and are soft on the little ones’ ears. The headband is machine-washable and you can use the spare one provided until it dries. The over-ear headphones cut off 23 dB of noise levels and prevent early hearing damage in infants.

Material: ABS, PVC, PU, polyester | Color: Pink| NRR: 23 dB| Adjustable: Yes

Pros

  • No silicone
  • BPA-free
  • Carry pouch included
  • CE Certified
  • Affordable headphones

Cons

  • The elastic headband may stretch out in the long run.

Quick tip

Quick tip

Use soundproof headphones on babies only under adult supervision, as it may be harmful if your baby removes the headphones and starts playing with them.


Price at the time of publication: $29.99

7. Best Skin-Friendly:

My Happy Tot Noise Cancelling Headphones

4.5

Image: Dontwasteyourmoney

The cute earphones made from high-quality, durable material will work like a charm for your little one to cut out disturbing noises. Gentle on ears and fontanel, these baby headphones offer adequate cushioning while not pinching or causing any discomfort. Moreover, these are adjustable, making them suitable for infants, toddlers, and kindergarteners. Made with BPA-free plastic and high-quality foam, these are suitable for a baby’s delicate ears.

Material: Foam, plastic Color: Blue| NRR: NA| Adjustable: Yes

Pros

  • Decent noise cancellation
  • Ergonomic design
  • Lightweight
  • Works while sleeping too

Cons

  • Might slide a little with constant head movement
  • May run small

Price at the time of publication: $14.95

4.4

Image: Neikotools

These baby headphones for noise-canceling are the ideal way to ward off loud sounds and help you and your baby go about your day in peace. The headphones are designed to fit the heads and ears of adults and kids above 10 years of age. The earpiece easily glides on the headband for the perfect fit. These earphones are CE-certified and can protect your ears from getting damaged.

Material: Plastic| Color: orange, Black| NRR: 26 dB| Adjustable: Yes

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Travel-friendly
  • Sweatproof
  • The earpiece can fit in music earbuds.

Cons

  • The plastic headband may be uncomfortable for your baby when sleeping.

Price at the time of publication: $10.98

9. Best Comfortable:

Green Devil Noise Cancelling Headphones

4.6

Image: Green Devil

Made of premium-quality faux leather and ABS, these cute and comfortable noise-canceling headphones for babies can protect your child from cold wind and noise throughout the year. These do not cut out noise; instead, they muffle loud noises, making these headphones suitable for children with autism and sensory sensitivity. With a 27.4 noise reduction rate, these headphones can be worn comfortably to ceremonies, concerts, airports, and other noisy and crowded places without hurting the little one’s delicate ears.

Material: Premium faux leather, ABS| Color: Green| NRR: 27.4 dB| Adjustable: Yes

Pros

  • One size designed to fit both kids and adults
  • Portable headphones
  • Easy to store
  • Soft cushioned headband

Cons

  • May not be suitable for rough usage
  • May not be waterproof

Price at the time of publication: $16.99

10. Best Easy-To-Store:

Alpine Muffy Noise Cancelling Headphones

4.5

Image: Alpine Hearing Protection

The lightweight and comfortable baby headphones can protect your child’s delicate ears from noise and wind. They cut out noise from 21 to 28 dB, making them suitable for places with loud noises, like stadiums, concerts, and sports activities. Made from high-quality materials, these headphones look sturdy and trendy, ensuring long-lasting use. These headphones are available in various stylish colors and are safety-tested. Moreover, they are easy to clean and adjust to suit your child’s needs.

Material: Plastic, padding| Color: Green| NRR: 25 dB| Adjustable: Yes

Pros

  • Silicone-free
  • Comes with a handy storage bag
  • Comfortable and soft headband
  • Autism-friendly

Cons

  • Some might find it a bit tight around the head
  • May be a little hard to put on for younger children

Price at the time of publication: $29.99

11. Best Snug Fit: Banz Earmuffs Infant Hearing Protection

4.6

Image: Banz® Carewear Usa

Banz’s lightweight, stylish unisex earmuffs for babies fit comfortably on your little one’s ears without causing any pain. They can protect your child’s delicate ears from loud noises and cold wind. Furthermore, their advanced noise protection makes these muffs ideal for sporting events, music concerts, wedding receptions, movies, laundry, and car races. They are one of the best infant headphones and are suitable for newborns through 24 months and above.

Material: Plastic, foam| Color: Butterfly| NRR: 31 dB| Adjustable: No

Pros

  • Does not pinch
  • Comes with enough cushion width
  • Works well for air pressure
  • Durable

Cons

  • May cause slight redness on the skin after prolonged wearing
  • Some might feel there is more foam on one side than the other

Price at the time of publication: $30

12. Best Water-Resistant: Zohan Kids Ear Protection Headphone

4.5

Image: Zohan

The pack of two noise-canceling headphones for babies can protect your children from loud and disturbing noises. Designed for children with sensory issues who need extra protection, these have an NRR of 22dB, making them suitable for fireworks, concerts, air shows, and sports. Further, these are lightweight, not feeling heavy or compressing the child’s head. Also, made from high-quality skin-safe ABS plastic, these do not contain metal parts. All these useful features take them a notch above the rest and place them among the best baby headphones.

Material: ABS, foam| Color: Blue, green NRR: 22 dB| Adjustable: Yes

Pros

  • Adjustable
  • Earpads are made from thick, sound-isolating foam
  • Suitable for decorating with stickers
  • Comes with a storage bag

Cons

  • Some might not find the noise muffling to be sufficient
  • May not suit rough use

Price at the time of publication: $29.99

4.4

Image: Ucidaudio

Kids who are 5 years and up travel to school daily and love to watch ball games. The standard traffic noise and the hooting and shouting of the crowd at the stadium can damage their ears forever. Keep them protected with baby headphones for noise-canceling. The earphones are designed with anti-slip material and a padded headband that stays on your little one’s ears. It controls up to 20 dB of noise and protects your child’s hearing. The headphones completely close the ear and are very light on the head of little children.

Material: Plastic, foam| Color: Red| NRR: NA| Adjustable: Yes

Pros

  • Scratch-proof body
  • Easy to use
  • Snug fit
  • Bright color options

Cons

  • The ears might turn sweaty.

Price at the time of publication: $14.95

How To Choose Right Baby Ear Protection?

Keep the following tips in mind to make the right choice from this list.

  1. Size: Headphones come in different sizes and fits. A few are designed for newborns and some of them have adjustable headbands. Choose earmuffs that offer a snug fit for your child. Since kids grow quickly, earmuffs that come with an adjustable headband can be the best choice for ear protectors. Do not buy anything oversized or undersized for your little ones.
  2. Durability: The ear protectors you choose for your little ones must be strong and durable to resist wear and tear. Your kids will take a fraction of a second to throw it down or jump on it. Take your pick from the best infant headphones that are flexible and strong to bear such shocks.
  3. Function: The function of ear protectors is to prevent noise and sometimes cold weather too. Each headphone is designed to control some noise levels. If you plan to take your child to a race track or a concert, look for safe headphones with 20 dB NRR and more to protect them from loud noises.

Why Trust MomJunction?

Vibha Navarathna is an experienced reviewer who specializes in writing about baby products. She has shortlisted some of the best baby ear protectors available in the market. To help her readers choose the right product for their kids, she has listed down the pros and cons of these top ear protectors and also included a buying guide with valuable tips. The baby ear protectors on this list can keep the cold away, prevent exposure to loud noises, and come with many useful features. They are made of high-quality materials to ensure long-lasting, comfortable usage.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which children will benefit the most from hearing protection?

Infants are perhaps the ones that can reap the most benefits from hearing protection aids. Newborns have eardrums that are very tender and highly susceptible to damage. With the headphones on, you can prevent ear damage and mental strain caused by the noise.

2. Can I use headphones to help my baby sleep?

Yes. Kids get distracted by the noise of a vacuum cleaner or even a washing machine at home. While traveling, the honking vehicles keep them awake. With earmuffs, you can avoid their distraction and make them fall asleep anywhere.

3. How can I tell if the headband will fit?

The headband you get for your kid or yourself must have a snug fit on your little one’s head. It should completely cover your little one’s ear. This is how you can get the right fit of headbands.

4. Are noise-canceling headphones good for babies?

Yes, noise-canceling headphones are good for babies, as these are helpful in canceling loud noises by 70%. They work by generating anti-noise waves and do not release any harmful low-level radiation (1).

5. When should a baby wear ear protection?

When getting exposed to noisy environments, wearing ear protection prevents the baby from noise-induced hearing loss. You can use baby headphones or ear muffs when attending events like concerts, noisy parties, and firework displays, when situated near loud construction work sites, and when traveling in airplanes. You may also use noise-reduction headphones to put your baby to sleep in a noisy environment.

6. What is too loud for a baby?

Any sound that is louder than 85 decibels can cause hearing-related problems in a baby (2).

7. Do newborns need ear protection?

Wearing ear protection is not necessary for newborns. However, if you think your newborn is getting exposed to noises over 85 decibels, your newborn needs ear protection to prevent noise-induced hearing loss.

Baby headphones protect your baby’s ears from loud noises, especially in crowded places and when traveling, and keep them warm during the winters. It is important to find a headphone or ear protector that offers a snug fit—ensure it is made of anti-slip material and is well-padded. Further, buy one that comes with a noise-canceling function, and ensure it is made of lightweight and skin-friendly material. The headphone should also be durable enough to last you a few years.

References:

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy

  1. Are Noise Canceling Headphones Safe For Babies
    https://soundproofguide.com/are-noise-cancelling-headphones-safe-for-babies/
  2. NoiseInduced Hearing Loss
    https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/hearing-loss/noise-induced-hearing-loss-in-children

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Vibha Navarathna

MCA

Vibha is a coder turned content writer. She holds a Masters degree in Computer Applications from Osmania University, Hyderabad and a certificate in 'Introduction To Child Psychology'. Her passion for writing fresh and informative content made her a full-time writer in 2019. Holding certifications in content writing and creative writing, she writes on electronics, baby and health products for MomJunction.... more

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