How to Prevent Baby Ear Pain on a Plane

Why babies' ears hurt on planes

As the plane climbs and descends, the air pressure in the cabin changes faster than the pressure inside the middle ear. The middle ear balances itself through the Eustachian tube, a small passage that runs to the back of the nose and throat. Each swallow or yawn briefly opens that tube and lets air in or out so the pressure equalizes. When the tube cannot keep up, the eardrum is pushed in or out and it hurts. This is called airplane ear, or ear barotrauma.

Babies and young children feel it more because their Eustachian tubes are narrower and more easily blocked, especially by mucus from a cold or an ear infection. They also cannot pop their ears on purpose. The good news is that the same fix works at any age: keep them swallowing during the pressure changes.

Takeoff vs. landing: what to do and when

Ear-pressure tips matched to each phase of the flight.

Phase	What's happening	What to do	Timing
Before boarding	Congestion narrows the tube	Treat a cold; ask the doctor about timing	Day of travel
Takeoff / ascent	Pressure drops as you climb	Nurse, bottle-feed, or offer a pacifier	Start as the plane begins to roll and climb
Cruise	Pressure is stable	Normal feeding; let baby rest	Mid-flight
Descent / landing	Pressure rises, often the worst part	Feed or pacifier again; keep baby awake	Begin 30-45 min before landing
After landing	Pressure has equalized	Watch for lingering ear-tugging or fussiness	First hour on the ground

Step by step for a calmer flight

A simple plan beats reacting once the crying starts.

• Hold off on a full feed shortly before boarding so your baby is hungry enough to feed during takeoff.
• Feed from the breast or bottle, or give a pacifier, as the plane starts to climb; keep your baby upright while bottle-feeding rather than flat.
• Try to keep your baby awake for takeoff and the start of descent, because we swallow less while asleep and the ears equalize less well.
• Start the descent feed early, about 30 to 45 minutes before landing, since descent is usually the more painful phase.
• For an older baby or toddler, a drink with a straw, a sippy cup, or a small snack to chew can keep them swallowing.
• If your doctor recommends it for a child with known flying ear pain, give acetaminophen or ibuprofen about 30 minutes before takeoff or landing; do not give either to an infant without your pediatrician's guidance.

Colds, ear infections, and when not to fly

Congestion is the main reason a flight goes badly for little ears, because a blocked tube cannot equalize. If your baby has a stuffy nose, treat the cold and ask your pediatrician what is safe; for many babies, flying with a mild cold is uncomfortable but fine, while a severe cold or sinus congestion is a reason to wait if you can.

An active ear infection is a clearer warning. The AAP advises that if your child had ear surgery or an ear infection in the two weeks before your trip, you should ask their doctor whether it is okay to fly. Do not use over-the-counter decongestants or antihistamines in babies and toddlers to prevent ear pain; they are not recommended at these ages and can cause harm. Lean on feeding and swallowing instead.

What about ear plugs and other gadgets

Pressure-regulating ear plugs are marketed for flying, but they are designed for older children and adults who can wear them correctly, and they do not replace swallowing for a baby. The most reliable tool you have for an infant is a well-timed feed or a pacifier during ascent and descent.

Stay calm if your baby cries during descent anyway; crying itself involves swallowing and can help the ears clear. Comfort, feed, and keep them upright, and the discomfort usually passes within minutes of leveling off or landing.

Reflects AAP HealthyChildren, Nemours KidsHealth, and Mayo Clinic guidance on airplane ear, 2024-2026.

Related questions

When should I feed my baby to help their ears?

During the pressure changes, which means as the plane climbs after takeoff and again during descent before landing. Start the descent feed about 30 to 45 minutes before you land, since descent is usually the more painful phase, and try to keep your baby awake for it.

Can I fly if my baby has an ear infection?

Ask your pediatrician first. The AAP advises checking with the doctor if your child had an ear infection or ear surgery within two weeks of the trip, because a blocked or healing ear has more trouble equalizing pressure and flying can be more painful.

Do baby ear plugs work on planes?

Pressure-regulating ear plugs are made for older children and adults and do not replace swallowing for an infant. For a baby, a feed or pacifier during takeoff and landing is the more reliable way to ease ear pressure.

Should I give my baby medicine before the flight?

Do not give decongestants or antihistamines to babies and toddlers to prevent ear pain; they are not recommended at these ages. If your child has known flying ear pain, your pediatrician may suggest acetaminophen or ibuprofen about 30 minutes before takeoff or landing, but check first for infants.

Sources & further reading

1. Nemours KidsHealth — Flying and Your Child's Ears
2. AAP HealthyChildren — Flying With Baby: Parent FAQs
3. Mayo Clinic — Airplane ear: Symptoms and causes

This article reflects current AAP, CDC, FDA, and other public-health guidance and is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. ParentFlow is a wellness companion — not a substitute for your pediatrician. For any medical concern, contact your healthcare provider.