Flying with a baby can be a stressful experience. Not only do you have to worry about whether or not you've packed everything you might need to keep baby entertained during the flight, you also need to make sure their ears are protected from the changes in air pressure.
Here are some tips to help protect your baby's ears when flying.
Choose the Right Flight Time
One of the best ways to protect your baby's ears while flying is to choose a flight time that works best for them. If possible, try to book a flight during your baby's nap time or at night when they are more likely to sleep through the majority of the flight. This will help reduce any discomfort they may feel due to changes in air pressure.
Use Pacifiers and Bottles
Pacifiers and bottles can be great tools for helping babies equalise their ear pressure while flying. The sucking motion helps open up their Eustachian tubes, which allows air to flow more easily through their inner ear and helps prevent discomfort from changes in air pressure. Make sure you bring plenty of pacifiers and bottles with you on the plane so that your baby can use them as needed throughout the flight.
Try Ear Muffs or Ear plugs
If your baby is particularly sensitive to loud noises, consider using ear plugs or ear muffs while flying. This will help block out any loud noises from the plane and reduce any potential discomfort caused by changes in air pressure. Make sure you get ear plugs or muffs that are specifically designed for babies so that they fit properly and provide adequate protection.
Give Them Something To Chew On
Chewing is another great way to help babies equalise their ear pressure while flying. Offer them something soft and safe to chew on, such as a teething toy or mitten with chewable protrusions on, which will help open up their Eustachian tubes and allow air to flow more easily through their inner ear. Just make sure whatever you give them is safe for them to chew on!
Take Breaks During The Flight
Finally, if possible try taking breaks during your flight so that your baby can move around and stretch their legs a bit. This will help reduce any discomfort they may feel due to changes in air pressure as well as give them an opportunity to move around after sitting in one spot for an extended period of time.
Taking breaks during long flights can also be beneficial for parents who need a break from holding their baby!
By following these tips, you can help protect your baby's ears when flying and ensure that everyone has a more enjoyable experience, but don't beat yourself up if things don't go as planned. Babies are fairly predictable, however, when they're not, your amazing parenting skills and instincts will do whatever is needed and somehow, we'll cope!
Lots of gLOVE,
Jodine x
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