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You strive to keep baby safe and sound, whether they’re resting in their crib, sitting in their car seat or crawling around at home. But there’s one important measure you might be forgetting: Investing in baby ear protection. Infant headphones shield little ones from disruptive and harmful noise, which is more prevalent than you may think. Keep reading to learn all about baby headphones, then browse the best options on the market.
“Children are more sensitive to loud sounds than adults, so headphones can keep your child comfortable. But they can also help protect children from noise-induced hearing loss,” says Michelle Neidleman Kennedy, AUD, an audiologist and tinnitus expert in New Jersey. The best baby headphones work by reducing noise. By doing so, they prevent ear damage and can even "allow baby to sleep while in a loud environment,” adds Neidleman Kennedy.
Any noise above 85 decibels (dB)—a measurement of a sound—poses a risk to a child’s health and calls for baby headphones. “Noise-induced hearing loss can occur after only a few minutes without hearing protection,” Neidleman Kennedy says. For that matter, you should consider getting earplugs for yourself too. “If your child needs to wear headphones, it’s also too loud for you or your older children, so consider wearing noise protection as well,” Neidleman Kennedy adds. “Adults can use foam ear plugs or get custom noise plugs that are conformed to their ears.”
There are several common settings that are usually super-noisy. The average sporting event, for example, can be 105 dB or higher. Other potentially dangerous environments include (but aren’t limited to):
Unsure if a place is too loud for baby’s ears? Neidleman Kennedy recommends downloading a sound level meter app for guidance (Decibel X is free, highly-rated and available on iOS and Android devices.) When in doubt, play it safe and opt for baby ear protection.
The best baby headphones have a few key features you’ll want to keep an eye out for. “Parents should look for headphones that can be adjusted to fit comfortably and snugly over their child’s ears and head,” Neidleman Kennedy says. Additionally, there are noise reduction rating (NRR) levels on headphones, which reflect how much the headphones are lowering the noise level. The higher the number, the more noise reduction. Neidleman Kennedy advises selecting headphones with an NRR rating close to 30 dB. Last but not least, stick to earmuff-style baby headphones that can be adjusted to ensure a snug, comfortable fit.
Ready to find the best baby ear protection for your little love? Below, browse eight of the best headphones for babies and toddlers that fit the bill.
Image: Target
Buying Options
Target
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$30.49
Amazon
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$30
Macy's
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$30
First up on our list of the best baby headphones is this over-ear design from Baby Banz. Neidleman Kennedy likes this product because of its NRR of 31 dB, the affordable price point and various color options. Plus, the lightweight earmuffs feature a soft headband and cushioned cups to ensure your little love is comfortable, whether you’re watching fireworks, at a parade or attending any special event.
Specs at a glance:
Image: Amazon
Buying Options
Amazon
|
$29.99
Target
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$29.99
Best Buy
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$29.99
Alpine makes baby headphones with stretchy fabric in lieu of a classic padded headband. The result? Reduced pressure on baby’s head and a product that can easily be put in the washing machine. These infant headphones have an NRR rating of 23 dB and are perfect for younger babies and older tots alike. Bonus: Parents say they’re easy to put on—plus, they come in several cute pastel hues.
Specs at a glance:
Image: Amazon
Buying Options
Amazon
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$19.99
Next up on our list of the best baby headphones is this parent-approved pick that has thousands of five-star reviews on Amazon. The adjustable headband won’t put pressure on your little one’s head, making it perfect for travel or longer outings. What’s more, at just 1.76 oz, they’re the lightest option in our roundup.
Specs at a glance:
Image: Amazon
Buying Options
Amazon
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$19.95
Walmart
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$19.95
Protect your little one’s sensitive ears in style with the help of these infant headphones. Choose from several bright colors, each complete with soft padded headbands and cushioned ear cups. Best of all, this lightweight option can be worn by the youngest of newborns up to the two-year milestone.
Specs at a glance:
Image: Amazon
Buying Options
Amazon
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$17.99
Searching for ergonomic baby headphones? You can’t go wrong with this pick. They feature a foam-padded headband and ear cups, designed to protect sensitive ears and to be gentle against delicate skin. But that’s not all—they’re also lightweight, travel–friendly and adjustable to meet your child’s needs as they grow.
Specs at a glance:
Image: Amazon
Buying Options
Amazon
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$11.99
Searching for more affordable baby ear protection? Try these budget-friendly infant headphones. The adjustable fit ensures they’re snug without being too tight—plus, they offer a standout NRR of 31 dB. What’s more, the cushioned headband and cups can be easily wiped clean when any messes occur.
Specs at a glance:
Image: Amazon
Buying Options
Amazon
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$13.99
Whether you’re on a plane, at a monster truck rally or attending a wedding, you can count on these baby headphones to keep your child feeling safe and comfortable. The snug-fit ear protectors have been created with little ones 3 months or older in mind, and are lightweight so you can easily tote them in your bag. Better yet, at under $14, they’re budget-friendly to boot!
Specs at a glance:
Image: Amazon
Buying Options
Amazon
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$24.99
Walmart
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$29.99
On the hunt for baby noise-cancelling headphones that’ll last your little one for years to come? Look no further than these ear muffs from Muted. They can be used by your kiddo from their second birthday, all the way until they’re 13 years old. The adjustable design will grow with your child for a snug fit every time, and the soft, padded cups offer noise-reducing protection of up to 27 dB.
Specs at a glance:
We get it—parenting requires a lot of gear. To streamline your decision-making process, our goal is to do the bulk of the research for you, so you don’t have to spend hours scrolling through online retailers. We do this by considering a list of criteria when sourcing products, including ease of use, quality and durability, value, style and, last but definitely not least, safety. This way you can count on getting the best bang for your buck, while also having a dependable product that will meet your child’s needs.
To decide which products are the best options on the market, we read user reviews to get the lowdown on how these products work for families, and typically don’t consider anything with less than an average four-star rating.
To make sure we’re highlighting products that are safe and effective, we chatted with an audiologist to understand essential features and safety considerations to keep top of mind.
Interested in learning more about our editorial process? Read about how our team develops and reviews all articles here.
About the experts:
Michelle Neidleman Kennedy, AUD, is an audiologist based out of northern New Jersey, and a tinnitus expert for Treble Health. She received her undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Connecticut and her doctorate in audiology from Montclair State University.
Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
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