How to Stop Your Baby's Ears Hurting on a Plane
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Encourage swallowing during descent rather than take-off. Descent is when the pressure differential is greatest and when ear discomfort actually happens. Feeding, a dummy or a bottle all work by the same mechanism — swallowing opens the Eustachian tube and equalises pressure. Waking a sleeping baby for descent is usually worth it, counter-intuitive as that feels.
Last updated: 1 August 2026 · Written by Atikur Rahman
Why descent, not take-off
On ascent, cabin pressure drops and air in the middle ear expands and vents outward fairly easily. On descent, pressure increases and air must be actively pushed back in through the Eustachian tube. That direction is much harder, especially in infants whose tubes are shorter, narrower and more horizontal than an adult's.
This is why a baby can sleep peacefully through take-off and then scream during the final twenty minutes. Almost all preparation should target descent.
What actually works
- Feed during descent. Breast, bottle or dummy — all produce the swallowing that equalises pressure.
- Time the feed deliberately. Descent usually begins 30 to 40 minutes before landing, well before the seatbelt sign. Ask a flight attendant when descent starts rather than guessing.
- Hold back a feed if you can. A baby who fed 20 minutes earlier may not be hungry when you need them to swallow.
- Wake them for descent. Genuinely difficult advice to follow, but a sleeping baby is not swallowing, and waking to pain is worse than being woken.
- For toddlers, a drink through a straw, a snack, or blowing bubbles achieves the same thing.
- Keep them upright during descent rather than flat.
What does not help
- Earplugs. They do not affect middle ear pressure. Noise-reducing ear defenders help with noise, not pressure.
- Decongestants. Not recommended for infants and not shown to help; some carry real risks in young children. The AAP advises against over-the-counter cough and cold medicines in children under four.
- Pressure-equalising "flight" earplugs. Marketed for this, with weak evidence, and not suitable for infants.
If your baby has a cold or ear infection
This is the situation where flying genuinely causes problems. Congestion blocks the Eustachian tube, so pressure cannot equalise and pain can be severe. Existing ear infection or recent ear surgery are worth a conversation with your paediatrician before flying.
If you must fly with a congested baby, ask your paediatrician about appropriate pain relief timed to take effect before descent, and be especially diligent about swallowing.
Lap infant or their own seat?
| Lap infant | Own seat | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Often free domestically, ~10% of fare internationally | Full or child fare |
| Safety | Unrestrained during turbulence | Approved car seat — the safer option |
| Sleep | Only on you | Can sleep independently |
| Best for | Short flights, tight budget | Long-haul, or a baby who will not settle on you |
The FAA is unambiguous on this: the safest place for a child under 40 pounds on an aircraft is an approved child restraint system in their own seat, not an adult's lap. The cost difference is real and worth weighing honestly rather than pretending it does not exist.
Frequently asked questions
How do I stop my baby's ears hurting on a plane?
Get them swallowing during descent — feeding, a bottle or a dummy all work. Descent is when the pressure differential is greatest, so time it for the last 30 to 40 minutes rather than take-off.
Should I wake my baby for landing?
Usually yes. A sleeping baby is not swallowing, so pressure cannot equalise, and waking to ear pain is worse than being woken gently beforehand.
How young can a baby fly?
Most airlines accept infants from around two to seven days, but many paediatricians suggest waiting a few weeks where possible, particularly for premature babies. Check with your paediatrician and your airline.
Can I take milk and formula through security?
Yes. In the US, TSA permits formula, breast milk and toddler drinks in reasonable quantities above the standard liquid limit, and they are screened separately. Tell the officer at the start of screening and allow extra time.
What if my baby cries the whole flight?
It happens, it is survivable, and most fellow passengers are considerably more sympathetic than the anxiety predicts — many of them have done it.
Are bassinets worth requesting?
On long-haul, yes. Bulkhead bassinet positions are limited, usually must be requested in advance, and have weight and length limits. Request as early as possible.
Where to go from here
Our Flying With a Baby Guide covers seat choice, security with gear, feeding timing and cabin bag packing in full. See also family travel guides, and Leaving the House With a Baby if getting out at all is the current hurdle.
Sources
- Federal Aviation Administration — Flying with Children
- American Academy of Pediatrics — Flying with Baby
- Transportation Security Administration — Traveling with Children
- HealthyChildren.org — Ear infections and the Eustachian tube
Educational only, and not a substitute for advice from your paediatrician. Consult a clinician before flying with a newborn, or with a baby who has an ear infection or recent ear surgery. Follow current airline and aviation authority guidance on infant restraints.