Baby Ear Pressure on Planes: How to Help Your Child
Your baby screams during takeoff or landing? In most cases, it’s the ears. Here’s why — and what you can actually do about it.
Why Do Babies Have Trouble with Pressure?
During climb and descent, cabin pressure changes. Adults equalize by swallowing or yawning — the Eustachian tube opens and pressure balances out.
In babies, this tube is narrower and shorter. Pressure equalization doesn’t work as well. The result: uncomfortable pressure or even pain in the ears.
What Actually Helps?
1. Drinking During Takeoff and Landing
The most effective method. Swallowing automatically opens the Eustachian tube.
- Breastfeeding: Ideal — calms and helps with pressure equalization at the same time
- Bottle: Equally effective. Prepare before takeoff.
- Pacifier: Works too, if your baby doesn’t want to drink right now
2. Timing Is Everything
Don’t start too early. The critical phases are:
| Phase | When to start? |
|---|---|
| Takeoff | As soon as the plane starts taxiing to the runway |
| Landing | About 20-30 minutes before landing (captain’s announcement) |
If you start too early, your baby will be full before it actually matters.
3. Saline Nose Drops
A clear nose helps with pressure equalization. If your baby has a cold or stuffy nose:
- 30 minutes before takeoff/landing: apply saline nose drops
- Keep the nose clear so air can flow through the Eustachian tube
4. Keep Baby Awake
A sleeping baby doesn’t swallow. If your baby sleeps through takeoff or landing, they may wake up crying because pressure equalization didn’t happen.
Try to keep your baby awake during critical phases — even if it goes against your instincts.
What Doesn’t Help?
- Earplugs for babies — don’t work because the problem is internal
- Chewing gum — obviously not suitable for babies
- Decongestant nasal sprays — not recommended for babies under 2 (only after consulting a doctor)
When Nothing Works
Sometimes a baby cries despite everything. That’s normal and no reason to panic.
- Hold your baby upright — it helps slightly with pressure equalization
- Comfort through body contact and quiet humming
- The pain subsides once the plane reaches cruising altitude or has landed
Other passengers have more understanding than you think. Most of them have been in the same situation.
Read More
- First Flight with Baby: The Complete Guide — everything from booking to landing
- Flying with a Baby Packing List — saline drops, pacifiers, and everything else you need
FlyNils Reminds You at the Right Time
FlyNils sends you a push notification before takeoff and landing — so you don’t miss the right moment. First trip free.