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Taking your little one to any noisy events can damage their ears, which you may not usually consider. Thankfully, the best noise-canceling headphones for kids and babies can keep their ears protected from loud noise. These tried-and-tested headphones can help a baby stay calm, happy, and relaxed in a noise-filled environment. Read on to check the list of noise-canceling headphones that make the plane trips and festive moments enjoyable for you and your little one.
Top Picks
Do Babies Need Noise-Canceling Headphones?
Babies and children have sensitive and delicate ears prone to quick damage if exposed to harsh sounds and noisy events. The fibers within the ear canals can be damaged easily if not taken care of.
Premium-quality noise-blocking headphones can minimize noise-induced hearing loss and other issues. Kids headphones for noise cancellation can be beneficial in sporting events, traveling, watching TV, attending parties, festive occasions, and other noisy affairs.
16 Best Noise-Canceling Headphones For Babies
1. Best Lightweight: Banz Baby Earmuffs
With an impressive NRR 31dB noise reduction rating, Banz Earmuffs safeguard delicate ears against harmful noise. The super-soft padding is crafted for maximum comfort and ensures a cozy fit. The low-profile stylish design sets them apart from bulky alternatives. Lightweight and durable, these earmuffs are appropriate for various settings such as sporting events, concerts, and airports.
Pros
- Adjustable size to fit children up to two years
- Able Play-rated for children with special needs
- High-quality cups for long-lasting use
- Available in various colors
Cons
- May be smaller than expected
- May slip at times
"I trust these earphones to safeguard my son’s little ears in noisy environments. They are adjustable for a customized fit and effectively mute loud noises."
2. Best Fit: BBTKCare Baby Ear Protection Noise-Canceling Headphones
BBTKCare noise-canceling headphones have a comfortable and practical design to ensure babies sleep soundly even in noisy outdoor environments. With soft padded construction and zero-pressure noise reduction, the earmuffs effectively cover the baby’s ears, minimizing disruptive sounds. These headphones for kids are suitable for various loud occasions, such as concerts, football games, and fireworks. The key feature of these earmuffs is their compact design that allows for easy portability, making them a versatile accessory for parents on the go.
Pros
- Adjustable headband
- Cup lined with soft foam for a snug fit
- Durable design
- Available in various colors
Cons
- May slip at times
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 11,126 Amazon shoppers have left good reviews about this product, citing its quality features and benefits.
3. Best For Enhanced Flexibility: MidolaVolume Limited 85dB Kids Headphone
Midola headset is a multifunctional product that allows convenient playtime of eight hours. The wireless and Bluetooth baby headphones can double as wired headphones and feature an adjustable headband for enhanced flexibility. The high-quality plush ear cushions ensure comfort to your ears. This versatile pair of headphones can be paired with various Bluetooth devices and produces excellent sound quality. It can be worn as an over-ear headphone for babies aged one to three years, and as an on-ear headphone for children aged above three years.
Pros
- Switchable volume from 85dB (babies and kids) to 110dB (adults)
- 30-day 100% money-back guarantee
- Comes with a one-year replacement guarantee
- Convenient buttons
Cons
- May be fragile
"These wireless headsets fit my child snugly, and the kid-friendly design with volume control has been a big plus. Their versatility in terms of connectivity and decent battery life further make them a good pick."
Caution Banz Baby Earmuffs Best Lightweight | BBTKCare Baby Ear Protection Noise-Canceling Headphones Best Fit | MidolaVolume Limited 85dB Kids Headphone Best For Enhanced Flexibility | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | - | - | Turquoise |
| Batteries | - | - | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required |
| Weight | - | - | 9 ounces |
| Dimensions | - | - | 6.7 x 4.7 x 3.4 inches |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | - | 11,126 | 1,528 |
| Price | $30 | $20.99 | $16.99 |
| Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
4. Best For Delicate Ears: Dr.meter EM100 Kids Protective Earmuffs
Providing enhanced comfort and safety to your kids’ delicate ears, the headset features a 27NRR noise reduction rating suitable for blocking extreme noise caused at airports, festive events, and construction sites. Its soft PU leather headband fits all head sizes and has a snug fit. The foldable structure of these noise-reduction headphones for babies makes it easy to carry around.
Pros
- Compact
- Rotatable cups
- Authorized certification
- Padded ear cushions
Cons
- Might be challenging for kids to use
"I had the chance to test these ear muffs at various loud events with my kid, and they performed better than I expected for noise cancellation. They fit her snugly and work well to keep her delicate ears protected."
TriviaWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
Do not miss out on this product that has earned 322 positive reviews on Amazon.
5. Best For Device Compatibility: Puro Sound LabsBT2200s Volume Limited Kids’ Bluetooth Headphones
The kids’ headphones from Puro Sound Labs work well to protect babies’ sensitive eardrums. s. With an 85dB limited volume level and an in-built microphone, the high-quality product provides premium audio quality and crisp vocals. Compatible with numerous devices, including iPhone and Android, the hassle-free device allows free movement within 30 feet. These soft and lightweight headphones for babies block about 82% of the ambient noise. Take a look at this video to learn more about the product.
Pros
- One-touch Bluetooth pairing
- Features wireless mode
- Over 18 hours of battery life
- Comes with a one-year warranty
Cons
- Maybe prone to quick wear and tear
"These have impressive sound quality! They are comfortable for extended wear, and my kids love wearing them. I also like that they have additional over-ear cups and a well-made case. For parents concerned about volume levels, these are a reliable choice."
Quick tip6. Best For Crowded Places: Snug Kids Ear Protection Sound Proof Earmuffs
Image: Flybar Snug Kids’ earmuffs are ideal for noisy events and crowded places. Suitable for kids with autism or ones who experience sensory overload, the equipment helps block out the triggering noises and sounds. The low-profile clamp design ensures enhanced safety and security of your little one’s ears. It is comfortable and easy to carry and features padded ear cushions for a snug fit. Watch this YouTuber’s honest review to get a better idea about these mom-tested headphones for kids.
Pros
- Adjustable
- Robust
- Comes with a five-year guarantee
- Lightweight
Cons
- May not block sounds completely
"These earmuffs do well in buffering noise for my child. At first, she required help folding and putting them on, but she has now gotten used to them. Overall, they have been great in making our family outings more comfortable."
7. Best For Comfort And Durability: Prohear 032 Kids Ear Protection Safety Ear Muffs
The protective earmuffs from Prohearhave vibrant colors that make them attractive. Its padded headband fits well and features soft ear pads ensuring enhanced comfort and durability while providing ear protection for babies. The earmuffs include 360° rotatable cups and an effective snap-in design, making it one of the best noise canceling headphones for toddlers.
Pros
- Easy to pack
- Sturdy
- Easy to maintain
- Foldable
Cons
- May be stiff
"I got two of these, one for my five-year-old and another for my eight-year-old, and they are working great to keep them entertained–our flights are much quieter now. While their sound quality isn’t the best, they are great for noise cancellation."
8. Best For Easy Volume Adjustment: eKids Spiderman Kids Ear Protectors Earmuffs
The two-in-one Spiderman ear muffs are equipped with a 21dB noise reduction level, making it an apt choice for your child’s sensitive ears. Suitable for noisy events, sporting events, concerts, racing events, and travel purposes, the foldable and travel-friendly baby headphones are easy to carry around. A detachable input audio cable included in the package allows you to transform ear protectors into headphones conveniently. The parental control switch is located at the bottom for easy volume adjustment.
Pros
- Foldable
- Lightweight
- Soft foam ear pads
- Padded headband
Cons
- May not be adjustable
"I enjoyed testing these headphones with my daughter; she loves the fun design. Their versatility is a big plus–quickly transforming to traditional headphones with the included cable. They are worth the price for their excellent noise-cancellation ability."
9. Best Battery Life: Infurture Active Noise Canceling Headphones
Infuture headphones feature advanced noise reduction technology, combining active and passive noise isolation and reduction that help detect and eliminate a wide range of frequency noise. Quick to recharge, the headphones have a long-lasting battery life of approximately 40 hours. The volume-limiting headphones feature swivel joints that automatically fit according to the head’s shape. It delivers excellent and crisp sound quality and features a premium-quality built-in microphone.
Pros
- Suitable for children and adults
- Lightweight
- Powerful bass effect
- Over two hours of battery life
- Features Bluetooth mode
- Enhanced clarity
Cons
- Battery life is relatively short
"The headphones meet my daughter’s multimedia needs. While I can't comment on the durability, as we have used it for only two months, they are cost-effective and offer good sound quality and a decent battery life."
10. Best Foldable Design: ProCase Kids Ear Protection Noise Canceling Headphones
The noise-reduction headphones for kids by ProCase prevent hearing damage. It comes with padded headbands that reduce pressure on the child’s head and offer a snug fit. Made of a solid ABS shell and thick noise-dampening foam, the headphones feature a retractable stainless steel frame which makes them one-size-fits-all ear protection. They have undergone rigorous testing and make a suitable choice for children with sound sensitivities for sports events, airplane flights, fireworks, etc.
Pros
- Compact and foldable design
- Has NRR 21dB rating
- ANSI S3.19 (US) and CE EN352-1(EU)-certified
- Ergonomic design
Cons
- May be small for some
"My son usually gets anxious in loud environments, and this pair has proven to be of great help in keeping him calm. While they are not highly adjustable, it is a minor concern considering their performance. Also, they fold compactly, making them perfect for use on the go."
11. Best Noise-Blocking:Lucid Audio HearMuffs
Lucid Audio HearMuffs are flexible and provide a snug fit. They effectively protect against loud and potentially harmful noises, maintaining your child’s hearing integrity. Whether at a sports event or a concert, these effectively and comfortably dampen loud sounds. The adjustable headband accommodates a wide range of children’s head sizes. Constructed from child-safe materials, the HearMuffs prioritize safety.
Pros
- Sweatproof
- Ergonomic design
- Long-lasting use
- GrowBand has a reversible, machine-washable design
Cons
- May be a little bulky
"These noise-canceling earphones have been a sound investment for protecting my baby from overwhelming sounds. While they lack certain advanced features, they are a reliable option that grows with your child."
12. Best Solar-Powered:Solar-Power Baby Noise Canceling Headphones
The Solar-Power baby noise-canceling headphones have an impressive noise reduction rating and create a peaceful environment, ensuring restful sleep free from disruptive noises. Designed for babies and toddlers up to three years, the adjustable headband offers complete ear coverage. The soft padded design ensures a gentle fit. These noise-canceling headphones for babies combine practicality and comfort.
Pros
- Foldable and portable
- Lightweight ABS plastic
- Skin-friendly material
- Zero pressure
Cons
- Earmuff cushions may fray with extended use
- May slip at times
"The headphones do a fine job of muffing loud noises for my baby, ensuring her comfort, especially during naps. They stay in place, and I like that they are designed to grow with the child. In sum, they offer good value for money and work well for protecting my baby’s hearing."
13. Best Secure-Fit:Vanderfields Baby Ear Muffs
With a padded headband for a secure fit, these mom-tested pair of headphones for ages three to 24 months provide reassurance and comfort even at noisy events and travels. The comfortable foam-filled earmuffs and featherlight foam cushion are suitable for little ones. Designed to shield delicate ears, their passive noise-canceling designs effectively safeguard your little one’s auditory well-being.
Pros
- Does not slip off
- Available in various patterns and designs
- Adjustable and flexible
- Sturdy and long-lasting
Cons
- May run smaller than expected
- Some may find it slightly bulky
14. Best Non-Slip:Lysian Baby Ear Muffs
Lysian Baby Ear Muffs are tailored for infants and toddlers aged three to 36 months and safeguard against noise, blocking an average of 25dB sound level. The earmuffs feature a soft noise-reduction foam encased in artificial leather, while the muff shells are constructed from ABS for durability. The non-slip strip on the headband effectively prevents it from slipping off. Your little one can stay protected on various occasions, from concerts to travel, parties, festivals, and fireworks.
Pros
- Elastic headband
- Heat-, chemical-, and impact-resistant
- High-density sponge for effective noise reduction
- Anti-pollution build
Cons
- Headband strap may be a little tight on the head
"I got these ear proI got these ear protectors for my nephew, and they have been working well, aiding in peaceful naps. They are easy to adjust and have proven their efficiency in noisy environments."
15. Best Dual High-Density:PandaEar Baby Noise Canceling Headphones
Designed for comfort and protection, the PandaEar baby noise-canceling headphones effectively diminish harmful noise to prevent potential hearing loss. These plastic and leather earmuffs have dual high-density cushioning and provide an effective barrier against disruptive sounds. The adjustable headband caters to babies aged three to 24 months. They are lightweight and convenient for various events like sports, flights, concerts, weddings, and more.
Pros
- Ergonomically designed
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Sturdy construction
- Comes with a tote bag
Cons
- May not block loud sounds completely
- Some may find it slightly smaller than expected
"These earmuffs serve their purpose well for noise reduction; my son seems to love them. While they are not the best for regular use, they help keep my kid calm in loud settings."
16. Best Ear Safety:Alpine Hearing Protection Muffy Earmuffs For Kids
Image: B. Toys Suitable for children aged between 3 and 14 years, the Alpine Hearing Protection Muffy Earmuffs can help reduce exposure to loud noises and high sound levels. It is made from premium materials that go easy on the ears. This thoroughly tested earmuff is also the recipient of the 2021 Red Dot Design Award, thanks to bringing in quality commitment toward hearing protection. It can help reduce acoustic attenuation from 21 to 28 dB as it complies with the EU and US regulations. They come with an adjustable headband and are available in a variety of colors to choose from, such as blue, green, mint, pink, and yellow.
Pros
- Silicone-free
- Ultra-soft
- Lightweight
- Unisex
Cons
- Some may find it small
"This pair works great for my son. They are excellent at reducing noise and come in handy during family outings. Plus, they are adjustable and ensure a perfect fit!"
How To Choose The Right Noise-Canceling Headphones For Babies?
Here is a list of all the essential features to consider to find the best kids noise canceling headphones.
- Comfort: Select comfortable, safe, and effective baby headphones with soft padding to prevent discomfort and allow easy wearing..
- Size: Choose wireless headphones that offer a snug fit. Also, ensure you never leave your baby unsupervised when they have the headphones or earmuffs on.
- Design: Look for a product with an appealing design and vibrant colors to keep babies engaged and attracted.
- Built: Choose a device that is sturdy and can withstand wear and tear for long-lasting use.
- Age recommendation: Ensure the noise-canceling headphone or earmuff you choose is suitable for your child’s age. Some that are meant for children may not be suitable for babies.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does a two-year-old need noise-canceling headphones and earmuffs?
A two-year-old needs ear protection when in a very crowded area or if their ears are sensitive to sounds. Ensure to choose expert-approved and cushioned noise-canceling headphones and earmuffs that are the right fit for your child.
2. Do babies become dependent on earmuffs?
Babies can become dependent on earmuffs if they wear them too frequently, even in a silent room, and ultimately their ears will become sensitive to even low noises. Therefore, ensure that your child wears them only when absolutely necessary.
3. What sounds are too loud for a baby?
Sounds coming from loud toys, television, firework displays, and white noise sleep machines with a peak sound pressure level of more than 80 decibels can be considered too loud for babies (1).
4. How many decibels is noise for babies?
Sound levels above 80 to 85 decibels can be considered noise for babies (1).
5. Do headphones cause ear damage to babies?
Soundproof headphones and earmuffs for babies and kids are a safe measure for preventing damage to children’s ears caused by loud noises from crowded areas, fireworks, concerts, or any other noisy outdoor activities.
Babies and children have sensitive ears that cannot withstand loud noises and high decibel levels. Thus, to protect their delicate ears and prevent damage, investing in the best toddler noise-canceling headphones is necessary. These feature comfortable and soft padding to reduce discomfort and help keep the little ones calm and relaxed. When selecting the ideal one for your child, ensure it is adjustable, padded, attractive, and lightweight. Further, the baby-friendly headphones should withstand wear and tear, be compatible with several devices, and allow free movement.
Infographic: How To Protect Your Child’s Ears From Loud Sounds?
According to CDC statistics, more than one in eight children already have hearing issues caused by loud noise exposure. Taking timely and necessary steps to protect your child’s ears from loud sounds is crucial in preventing potential hearing damage. Check out the following infographic to learn how to keep your child’s ears safe. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- How to protect your baby’s hearing?
https://www.babyhearing.org/protect-hearing
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Why Trust MomJunction?
Our seasoned writer Wedetso Chirhah, specializing in electronics and automobiles, relies on facts and research before curating product reviews. He evaluates parameters such as comfort, versatility, looks, and adjustability before writing a detailed description of each product with pros and cons. His list of the best noise-canceling infant and toddler headphones involves extensive research, as he analyzes multiple products and user reviews before carefully choosing high-quality products.
