We take a lot of precautions to protect our children and support their growth and development, so when it comes to their hearing it's equally as important that we do what we can to prevent damage to it, which is why noise reducing headphones or ear defenders can be an important purchase.
Ear defenders might not be at the top of your newborn checklist of what you need to buy, but they are something that you should consider purchasing, even for situations where you might not think the noise can be harmful.
It makes sense that your baby or toddler might need noise reducing headphones or noise cancelling headphones if you're going to a loud festival, firework display or even a racing event, however, you might not have considered them for weddings or even shopping centres.
Children with sensory processing disorders or autism might also prefer to wear ear defenders when in busy environments.
Best baby ear defenders 2024 at a glance:
Best baby ear defenders for reducing loud noises
It's important to remember when buying baby ear defenders, is that you choose the right fit. Ear defenders for babies need to be designed specifically for them – you can't use adult earplugs or any other ear protection designed for adults. It's also worth noting that noise cancelling headphones or baby ear defenders cannot be used for extended periods of time, and you should follow the safe wearing guidance of each headphones.
Your children also need to be able to move their heads when using them without the protectors slipping or falling off. You also want to make sure that they don't put too much pressure on their heads.
The Best Baby Ear Defenders 2024
Before using baby ear defenders and protectors, make sure you read all the instructions and recommendations and bear in mind the time frame for wearing the headphones.
Tested with an 18 month old
Best overall baby ear defenders
The Alpine Muffy baby ear defenders are designed to avoid putting any pressure on the sensitive part of baby's head. They have a Velcro strap that is easy to readjust to fit your baby comfortably and to make sure that the ear part stay firmly in place. Our Mother and baby Senior Writer Samantha found the overall design of the ear defenders to be really good, and she liked that they didn't look too chunky or uncomfortable on her daughter's head. She said the shells were a little bit tricky to adjust but found that it was actually reassuring to know that the shells were not going to move around on the headband and fall out of place.
The ear defenders are made without any metal or hard parts too, making them extremely soft to use and comfortable for your baby wear. Samantha said: "My daughter is 18 months old and doesn't like anything on her head, but surprisingly she actually keeps these on". They took the ear defenders with them when travelling in noisy cities because they saw their daughter covering her ears previously, and she was a lot happier when wearing them. Samantha says her daughter even wore them to the Formula One and wasn't bothered about the noises in the slightest. She says "she actually loved wearing them too." Another thing Samantha loved were the soft shells. "They cupped my daughter's ears so they fit inside the shell, rather than them squishing them and it hurting." she says.
They're described as anti-slip, but some parents found they didn't always stay in place. Samantha found that one issue initially was that the band itself rubbed her daughter's hair underneath, which sometimes irritated her. They easily solved this, however, by making sure her hair was pushed back and tucked out of the way. After they found what worked, their daughter was more than happy to wear the ear defenders again. We like that the product also comes with a handy spare headband, plus a matching carry bag to keep them safe and clean while storing or travelling.
These ear defenders are useful for using during scans, as they don't contain metal, as well as noisy environments such as firework displays and festivals.
Read our full Alpine Muffy Baby Ear Protection review
Pros
- The soft, elastic headband means there's no pressure on the fontanelle
- They're easy to adjust with their safe and practical design
- The ear caps are made with multiple layers of noise reducing foam and soft padding for good closure
- They're proven to achieve a noise reduction of 23 dB SNR
- The handy carry pouch means you can keep them safely in your bag
Cons
- They're described as anti-slip, but some parents found they didn't always stay in place
Noise reduction: | 23dB SNR |
Suitable for ages: | 3 months up to 3 years |
Weight: | N/A |
- Soft elastic headband
- Easily adjustable
- Anti-slip design
- Ultra soft ear cushion
- Flexible headband
- Tested and certified
- Suitable for children aged 12-36 months.
- Hypoallergenic
- silicone-free, BPA-free
- Includes carrying pouch
Tested with a 6 year old
Best ear defenders for all environments
Perfect for any noisy environment, including the shops the Snug Kids ear defenders will keep your little one's ears protected - and they won't mind wearing them either. With so many cool and colourful designs that feed into your child's passions, they can proudly wear these muffs when needed.
Our Senior Writer, Samantha, took these for her son when they went to watch the Formula One. She found them easy to fold and store away, although her son did struggle to open it up himself. She found that he was happy to wear them and didn't complain about the noise once he was wearing them.
These ear defenders have an adjustable headband to fit most from six months and over, they're lightweight, foldable, and padded for maximum comfort.
Read our full Snug Kids Ear Defender review here.
Pros
- The headband is fully adjustable to fit all head sizes
- These are lightweight ear muffs, weighing just 180g
- These ear defenders are easy to store and to take on the go
- Can be worn for long periods of time without being uncomfortable
Cons
- Bit stiff for a young child to open up themselves
Noise reduction: | 25dB NRR |
Suitable for ages: | From 6 months to adult |
Weight: | 180g |
- Adjustable headband fits all head sizes
- Light weight (only 180g)
- Different colours available
- Fully adjustable
- Foldable design
- Padded ear-cups and headband
- Slim shell design
- Durable materials
Tested with a 2 year old
Best ear defenders for neurodivergent children
Coming in two brightly coloured designs, the 3M Peltor ear defenders are durable and well-made, with low-profile ear cups and no protruding parts. The ear muffs are thin so that they don't feel too heavy on little ears, and you can also replace the cushions and inserts of the ear muffs, so if they become dirty or worn, you can keep them refreshed, which is also healthier for your child's ears.
Our parent tester found these to be good value for money and worked well to reduce sounds, including noises such as drilling and power tools when being used around the house for a renovation, or at loud outdoor events. While they bare wires were not ideal, they were comfortable to wear and they're even ideal for children to wear longer term, in busy places, making them ideal for neurodivergent children.
Pros
- Ideal for taking to music festivals, sporting events or firework displays at night
- They are soft and comfortable on the ears so your child will enjoy wearing them
- They offer good protection with an average noise reduction of SNR 27 to shutdown ambient sound
Cons
- Some parents weren't fans of the bare wire
Noise reduction: | 27dB SNR |
Suitable for ages: | Up to 7 years old |
Weight: | 180g |
- specially for young wearers up to age seven
- Slim cup design
- Large space to reduce moisture and heat build-up
- Easily replaceable cushions and inserts
- Soft inserts in the cushion reduces pressure on the ears
- Vibrant coloured design for high visibility
- Average noise reduction of SNR 27 to shutdown ambient sound
Tested with an 8 month old
Best baby ear defenders for reducing loud noises
www.hippychick.com
Our parent tester, Hannah was really impressed by the Dooky Baby Ear Protection, and thought it was a great way to introduce her 8 month old son to earmuffs.
While most ear defenders can be bulky, these are small, compact and super soft and comfy. If you’re someone who is always out and about at festivals and busy events, these are a great option for getting your baby used to wearing them. They're great value, and whilst they didn't block out noise completely, Hannah found that they did help soothe her son when they were at an air show, as he didn't seem phased by the loud noises.
They're easy to adjust, and the earmuff itself is lovely and squishy, meaning it's not too hard on baby's head. On hot days, Hannah found the band can make their forehead or hair a little sweaty, but this isn't a major issue.
Pros
- Very simple to adjust, with no fiddly bits such as Velcro
- They're a lovely and soft design
- These earmuffs are a more compact design than alternatives
Cons
- They don't cancel noise but do reduce it significantly
Noise reduction: | 25dB |
Suitable for ages: | Birth to 36 months |
Weight: | N/A |
- Safety tested
- Anti-slip headband
- Adjustable
Tested with a 2 and 7 year old
Best ear defenders for public spaces
Available in seven colourful designs, the flexible headband of these Zohan Kids ear defenders suits different head sizes, from as small as 6-month-old babies, to almost adult head sizes. This makes them perfect as long-lasting ear defenders for toddlers, kids, and even teens.
Our parent tester loved the different designs, and mentioned both her kids were more than happy to wear the Zohan defenders them because of the funky pattern. They come with lightweight yet thick ear cups and cushions for great comfort, and also come with a carry bag for easy storage. The testers daughter was happy keeping these on her head while house construction was taking place and seemed un-phased by the banging.
Her son was also happy to keep the ear defenders on while at a busy event. These ear defenders are great value for money. The only downside is if you take the ear cups off, they are extremely difficult to get back on again.
Pros
- These ones do not have any exposed metal parts, making them suitable and safer for younger kids
- Designed not only to protect hearing, but also take into account the healthy growth of your children
- The thick padded headband makes these even more comfortable
- They provide a handy cart to help you find the right fit for your child
- Great value for money as they won't break the bank and should last
- Carry bag included, which is always going to be a plus
Cons
- Described as having Active Noise Cancelling - they won't block out noise, but they will reduce it
Noise reduction: | 26dB SNR / 22dB NRR |
Suitable for ages: | 6 months - 18 years old |
Weight: | 180g |
- Multiple designs available
- Adjustable headband
- No metal parts
Best ear defenders for firework displays
Whether you're attending a family party with fireworks or taking your mini-me to their first festival, the Banz Bubzee ear defenders are essential for keeping loud noises at a manageable level. One reviewer who thought these were well worth it said that they've used these since their baby was just four weeks old for several weddings, tube trips and airplane journeys. Their little one falls asleep with ease when wearing them and they've received plenty of compliments too.
They offer a comfortable snug pressure-free fit, made from soft plush foam, with the cushioned cups protecting your child's ears nicely. The soft headband is also fully adjustable so that you can achieve the best fit for your child's head to keep the ear muffs in place. You should get plenty of use out of these. One reviewer says the ear defenders seem like they will last a long time.They say that although the product is suitable up to three years, they 3 think they will last quite a bit longer as they nearly fit over their own adult ears! Our favourite thing about these defenders is that they look cool (lots of parents in reviews say their child has received compliments when wearing them) yet they are also robust - in fact, they're said to be virtually indestructible!
Pros
- They're foldable, taking up less space in a bag
- They are made from soft plush foam for a gentle, pressure-free fit around ears
- They are easy to wear and easy to carry as they are super lightweight
- The soft headband cover is fully adjustable so that you can achieve the perfect fit for comfort and function
- They are sturdy and robust, so they should last long enough for your little one to grow out of needing to wear them
- There is a variety of fun colours and designs to suit your little one's personality
Cons
- They're only suitable for children up to the age of three years
Noise reduction: | 21dB SNR |
Suitable for ages: | 3 months up to 3 years |
Weight: | 132g |
- Compact, foldable earmuffs
- Plush foam for a gentle, pressure-free fit around ears
- Lightweight at 135g
- Soft, adjustable headband cover
- Cushioned cups
- UV-guarded shell for added safety
- Newborns to 36 months
- Global safety standards
Best baby ear defenders for events
Reducing sound by up to 45 decibels, these ear protectors are great for loud events or neurodiverse children. Best suitable for 12-24 months, the stretchy headband evenly distributes pressure for a comfy fit. One reviewer who bought these for their five-month-old twins noticed that sometimes the ear muffs had slipped down to the child's eye level, so they felt they had to watch out. The velcro should allow you to adjust the headband so that it doesn't slip though.
They said that once their babies got used to them, the found they were really good, and a month later when they were at a wedding and the babies were six months old, they were able to sleep, allowing the parents to stay at the party for longer. They recommended to practice with babies at home first though, so they can practice wearing them without trying to take them off. The Reer Baby Capsule defenders are compact and can also be neatly folded, perfect for whipping out at a moment's notice.
Pros
- Good for noise reduction and designed specially for babies
- Specially designed to be soft with lightweight padding for sensitive ears
- Designed for limited pressure on your babies delicate soft skull
- Adjustable headband with Velcro fastening for the right fit
- A soft headband and ear cups provide maximum comfort
- Compact and foldable for taking with you on-the-go
Cons
- Can slip down with little movers
Noise reduction: | 25dB SNR (up to 45 dB) |
Suitable for ages: | 12 months to 24 months |
Weight: | N/A |
- Insulates sound by up to 45 dB
- Noise protection specially developed for babies
- Soft and lightweight padding for sensitive ears
- designed for limited pressure on the skull
- Adjustable headband with Velcro fastening
- Soft headband and ear cups
Best noise reducing ear defenders
Adjustable and with comfortable padding on the headband, these should provide a comfy fit for little ones. The BBTKCare Kids ear cups have thick oval sponges to dampen sound whilst still being breathable. They're soft as well to reduce pressure on the ears and built to support the younger age range with maximum comfort and sealing.
One reviewer bought these for their five month old to wear at a truck race, which is quite noisy. They said the ear muffs did a good job and that their little one actually slept through the races despite them being quite close to the track at some points. They definitely recommend them, saying they are easy to adjust too, with plenty of room for growth. Another reviewer bought the product for their four month baby and used them at weddings to help them sleep through loud DJ music. "They aren't noise cancelling but they do help" they said, and would recommend the product.
Pros
- These ear defenders are lightweight and easy to wear
- We love the zero-pressure cup design
- The headband is adjustable for a better fit
- The sturdy design makes this product durable
Cons
- Not suitable for newborns
- Bulky, might be difficult to sleep with
Noise reduction: | N/A |
Suitable for ages: | 3 to 24 months |
Weight: | N/A |
- Zero- pressure cup design
- Headband can flexibly adjusted to different sizes
- For Babies / Toddlers Age 3-24 Months
- UKCA certified in the UK
- Durable design
Best ear defenders for newborns
Described as the 'original baby ear defenders', these will provide support and protection - they're even newborn-safe. The Ems For Kids includes two ear defender cups and an adjustable headband that's interchangeable and easy to wash.
It should relieve pressure and is nice and compact to carry around. One reviewer thought these were a great fit for her six-week-old baby who wore them on bonfire night and slept happily through the entire display. While these ear defenders are targeted at young babies, this reviewer thought they also look big enough to fit their little one for a few years to come.
Pros
- These are newborn-safe, designed specifically for babies from 0 to 18 months
- Provide "industrial grade hearing protection"
- It has a pressure-reducing headband design
- The headbands are interchangeable, making it easy to wash or replace
Cons
- More for babies than toddlers
Noise reduction: | 27dB NRR |
Suitable for ages: | 0 to 18 months |
Weight: | 120g |
- industrial grade hearing protection
- Compact pressure-reducing headband design
- Size Adjustable
- Interchangeable & Easy to Wash Headband
- Compact & Lightweight (120 grams)
- Designed specifically for babies from 0 to 18 months
- 27 Decibel (dB) Noise Reduction Rating (NRR)
- Tested to U.S. (ANSI S3.19) and European (EN352-1:2002) Safety Standards
- Product includes 2 ear defender cups with 1 adjustable, velcro headband
Choosing the right ear defenders for your baby
When buying ear defenders for your baby, there are many factors that you need to consider before purchasing.
Sizing
Ensuring that they are the right size and weight to sit comfortably on your baby's head is incredibly important, and also factoring in whether the material will be comfortable.
Comfort
Padded ear defenders will be a lot more comfortable than ones without padding and also be gentle on their little ears and soft spot.
Compact design
Another thing to consider is ease of transport. You already have lots of things to take on the go with you in your baby changing bag, so consider how easy the baby ear defenders are to store - bonus points if it comes with a case!
What level of noise is too loud for a baby?
Your baby is more sensitive to loud noises compared to you because their ear canal is smaller, so the sound pressure that is generated in the ears is much more. According to the NHS staff at Trafford General Hospital, “hearing damage due to noise exposure is permanent and adds up over time.”
They also mentioned that noises softer than 80dB will not damage hearing unless the exposure lasts for several hours, which can include toys that make loud sounds.
When do babies need ear defenders?
There are many environments where your baby might need to use ear defenders. Possible hearing hazards for children, according to the NHS, can include:
• Loud toys
• Television volume
• Tablet volume
• Firework displays
• Events such as festivals, concerts and sports events
• White noise sleep machines
“The amount of time an infant is exposed to sound is important. If you're using an infant sleep machine or app, test the sound output before use to make sure that it isn't excessively loud.”
Even if you don't anticipate a place having loud noises, it's good practice to keep a pair in your baby changing bag just in case.
Digital Editor Maria Martin's son Parker in his ear defenders:
Can babies go deaf from loud noises?
According to babyhearing.org, "noises softer than 80 dB will not damage hearing unless the exposure lasts for several hours."
How we test and choose recommended products
Our product recommendations are based on a combination of real-world testing from our burgeoning army of mum testers and the extensive knowledge of our experienced editorial team and product specialists. Where we can, we also consult experts who specialise in that field to ensure you get the right advice along with the right product, and we listen to what you say as well.
Our thriving mum community on our Facebook group #mumtribe consistently provides great insights into which products mums like best and why, helping us highlight the products that will meet your needs.
For essential products, our annual Mother&Baby Awards shortlist the top products tested. Full reviews from our mum testers can be found on our product pages. The winners and runners-up for each category will also appear in our top picks article for that product, along with other products that were rated highly by our team.
The information used in this article has been compiled together from Trafford General Hospital, based on research and knowledge from 2022.
Samantha Ball is a Features & Reviews Editor for Mother&Baby, having written for the brand since 2018. She's a mum of two and loves browsing for the best and current trending products for little ones and for cute seasonal outfits.