The Parent’s Guide to Baby Ear Plugs

Airplanes. Swimming pools. Rock concerts. Crowded rooms. It’s not easy being ears, especially on a child, a time when infections run rampant and your body isn’t quite your own. That’s why ears are worth protecting and why items like earplugs and baby earmuffs are so important.

These items can not only make life quieter for our little ones, making it easier to sit, sleep and relax when times are tough, but they can also prevent some serious damage, both from infections brought about because of swimmer’s ear, and from loud noises.

In this article, we’ll review our top four favorite earplugs on the market right now, which will include infant ear plugs, ear plugs for babies, toddler ear plugs and ear plugs for kids. Following that, we’ll get into some specific information about how best to purchase a pair for your little ones and twos. So, without any further ado…

Best Baby Ear Plugs: Comparison Table

Picture	Product	Best for:
	Original EarPlanes® for Children	Flying	4.7
	Flents Seal-Rite for Kids	Universal	5.0
	Macks Ear Plugs for Kids	Universal	4.8
	Putty Buddies Floating Formula	Swimming	4.7
	Alpine Pluggies Kids Swim Earplugs	Swimming	4.6
	SoSoft Shark Ears	Swimming	4.5
	The E-A-R Plugs for Kids	Swimming	4.9

Best Baby Ear Plugs: Our Top Picks!

Mack’s Moldable Silicone Ear Plugs for Kids

With the bonus of being the “Official Earplugs of USA Swimming”, Mack’s Moldables provide non-toxic, hypoallergenic protection thanks to a moldable silicone form that adheres to ears under six years of age.

Best used while swimming, they’re also great for flying, studying, relaxing and sleeping, as they fit snuggly into the entirety of the ear canal. Being bright orange, they’re also easy to spot, so if your young one likes to bend and break the rules, these baby ear plugs should be easy to see in the event they try and swim without them.

At under $6 a case, six pairs in each, they’re pretty inexpensive as well.

Additional Information:

• NR Rating = 22dB
• Comes with an easy-to-open, shatterproof case
• Where to buy: Amazon ( direct link )

EarPlanes Kids / Baby Ear Plugs

It’s all in the name. Approved by flight attendants. Recommended by doctors. EarPlanes Kids, made from hypoallergenic, latex-free, cushiony-soft silicone, are a pair of disposable baby ear plugs that will do wonders to prevent your kid’s ears from clogging, swelling and popping as they travel from here to wherever.

Needless to say, they’re made exclusively for airplane use – though they can be used to block out some noise. However, thanks to a set of four circumferential rings — which help to provide an airtight seal — and a unique ceramic regulator that naturally regulates air pressure, EarPlanes Kids are probably the best of their kind on this list. They’re also backed by Good Housekeeping, so you know they’re legit.

Just over $6 for a single pair.

Additional Information:

• Best for kids aged 1 to 11 years of age
• Made in the USA
• Where to buy: on Amazon ( direct link )

Flents Seal-Rite Kids Ear Plugs

Looks like candy, acts like an earplug. Flents Seal-Rites are a set of silicon soft disposable baby ear plugs that slip right into your little one’s ears and provide superior protection for both swimming and sleeping — or any other activity that requires a quieter atmosphere.

Their three eye-popping colors — neon green, pink and orange — make them cool for kids, both boys and girls, and easy to spot — so they won’t try and slip one past you and swim without them. Also, the accompanying carrying case keeps them clean while providing some extra convenience.

At $6 for three cases — six pairs in a case — they’re definitely the most inexpensive ear plugs for kids on this list.

Additional Information:

• NR Rating = 21dB
• For kids aged 6 months and older
• Where to buy: on Amazon ( direct link )

The E-A-R Plugs for Kids

Representing the only pair of non-disposable earplugs on this list, The E-A-R Plugs, distributed by Noise Busters Direct, are another staple in the youth swimming scene. Their safe, non-allergenic polymer build means that they’re firm enough to fit into the ear canal but soft enough for comfort. They also float, so they’re easy to spot should they ever pop out — which rarely happens as long as they’re an appropriate fit.

They have stems on the ends to help with insertion and they come with a convenient carrying case with a chain for easy attachment to a duffle bag, backpack or whatever else your child might use when on their way to a swim meet. Warm water and a mild soap are required for repeat use.

Just over $7 for a single pair. Also works well for kids who need some peace and quiet.

Additional Information:

• Great for kids 2 years and older.
• Where to buy: on Amazon ( direct link )

How to Pick the Right Ear Plugs for Kids

Now that we’ve reviewed our four favorite kids and baby ear plugs on the market, it’s time now to review some of the specifics. That way you can better understand each of them and make a well-educated purchase to help protect your little one’s second most important sense.

Purpose of Use

Before doing anything in this world, it’s best to have a purpose. So ask yourself, “What will my child be using these for?” Kids or baby earplugs used exclusively for sleeping might not be as watertight as those used for swimming. And those used for swimming might not be as comfortable as those used for sleeping.

Each has their attributes and their drawbacks, just make sure that they align with what your child will be doing while wearing them.

NR Rating

The NR Rating, or the NRR, is important because it tells you how effective the noise canceling feature is on a particular set of headphones, which is important if you’re purchasing a pair to help block out noise. However, since ratings are given in labs, where conditions are perfect, the numbers shown above are only estimates, so it’s best to calculate its effectiveness yourself by dividing said number by two.

For example, Mack’s Moldable Silicone Ear Plugs for Kids have an NRR of 22. When you divide that by two, you get an actual rating of 11dB. You can then subtract that number from the loudness of a particular event. Like this…

110dB (The Loudness of a Monster Truck Show) – (22dB / 2) = 99dB

It’s easy to remember: higher ratings = less noise.

Size

Unlike earmuffs, the effectiveness of a set of earplugs almost directly relates to their size. If the earplugs are too big, they may squeeze into your little one’s ears, but that’ll hurt so they probably won’t stick around. If they’re too small, they won’t fill the entirety of the ear canal and so water, noise or whatever else will be able to pass right though, reducing their potency.

Preferred Material

Silicone. Foam. Polymer. They all have different textures, different degrees of softness, a different feel. And though you might not be able to experience them firsthand through the computer screen, it’s important to understand these differences so that you’re not purchasing a pair of ear plugs that’ll make your kids uncomfortable, otherwise they won’t use them as much as they should.

Disposable vs. Non-Disposable

Do you want your kids to use them once, or again and again? Also, are they responsible enough to look after just the one pair? These are the main questions to consider when deciding to buy either disposable or non-disposable earplugs for kids.

A Few Benefits of Disposables:

• Okay to lose.
• You get more for much cheaper.
• If they don’t fit/perform, it’s easy to switch to another brand.
• No maintenance/upkeep.

A Few Benefits of Non-Disposables:

• No variability between packs, pairs or types.
• Higher durability
• Something to call your own.

Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API