Ear pressure on planes: helping babies and toddlers cope

Flying with a baby or toddler often involves one big worry for parents: how their child will handle the ear pressure changes during takeoff and landing. The discomfort is real, and a crying child can make the experience stressful for everyone. Unlike adults, young children cannot intentionally pop their ears by swallowing or yawning on command. They rely on you to help them through it.

Understanding what causes the pressure and having a few simple strategies ready can make a significant difference. The goal is to help your child swallow, which opens the eustachian tubes and equalizes the pressure between the middle ear and the cabin. With a little planning, you can make the ascent and descent much more comfortable for your little one.

Why ear pressure hurts little kids on planes

The feeling of pressure or pain in the ears during a flight is caused by the change in air pressure in the cabin. As the plane climbs or descends, the air pressure outside the eardrum changes faster than the pressure inside the middle ear. This imbalance pushes or pulls on the eardrum, causing discomfort or pain.

The eustachian tube is a small passage that connects the middle ear to the back of the throat. Its job is to open and close to keep the pressure on both sides of the eardrum equal. In babies and toddlers, these tubes are narrower and more horizontal than in adults, which makes them less efficient at equalizing pressure. This is why young children are often more affected by pressure changes on a plane.

Swallowing and yawning naturally open the eustachian tubes and allow air to flow, which helps to balance the pressure. This is why encouraging your child to do these things during the most critical times of the flight, takeoff and landing, is the key to preventing ear pain.

When does ear pressure happen during a flight?

The most important times to be prepared are during ascent and descent. The pressure changes are most rapid during these two phases of the flight.

• Takeoff and ascent: The cabin pressure decreases as the plane climbs. This can create a feeling of fullness in the ears. The pressure change continues while the plane climbs toward cruising altitude.
• Descent and landing: The cabin pressure increases as the plane descends. For many children, this is the more uncomfortable part of the flight. The descent usually starts well before the plane is close to the ground. The flight crew will typically make an announcement that they are beginning the initial descent, which is your cue to get ready.

Pay attention to the flight crew’s announcements and the feeling of the plane beginning its climb or descent. Having your comfort items ready before the pressure changes become intense is the most effective approach.

Practical ways to help your child

The best strategy is to get your child swallowing. What works best will depend on their age. It is also very helpful to keep your child awake for takeoff and landing if you can. A sleeping child will not be swallowing, and the pressure can build up and wake them in pain.

For babies (under 1)

Babies are often the easiest to help because they are frequently eating. Timing their feeding is the most effective tool.

• Breastfeed or bottle feed: The sucking and swallowing motion is perfect for equalizing ear pressure. Try to time the feeding so your baby is actively nursing or drinking from a bottle during the ascent and descent. Do not start too early, or they may finish before the pressure change is over. Wait until the plane is on the runway and beginning to accelerate for takeoff, or when you feel the descent begin.
• Offer a pacifier: If it is not time for a feed, a pacifier can also work wonders. The sucking action encourages swallowing and helps open the eustachian tubes. Make sure to have a clean one easily accessible.

For toddlers (1 to 3)

Toddlers may not be feeding as often, so you might need a few other ideas in your toolkit.

• Sippy cup or straw cup: Offer a favorite drink in a cup they enjoy using. The act of sipping and swallowing will provide relief. A straw can be particularly effective as it requires a strong sucking motion.
• Healthy snacks: Offer small, chewy snacks that encourage lots of chewing and swallowing. Soft fruit snacks, crackers, or small pieces of cheese can work well. Avoid hard candies or anything that could be a choking hazard, especially on a bumpy flight.
• Model yawning: Yawning is a great way to pop ears. You cannot make a toddler yawn on command, but you can try making big, exaggerated yawns yourself. Sometimes they will copy you, and it can turn into a silly game.

For preschoolers (3 to 5)

Preschoolers can understand simple instructions, which gives you more options.

• Drinking and snacking: Just like with toddlers, offering a drink from a straw cup or some chewy snacks is a great first step.
• Practice popping ears: You can try to teach them how to equalize their ears. Ask them to pretend to yawn widely or to drink pretend gulps of water.
• Chewing gum, later on: Gum is a choking risk for preschoolers. Save it for older kids who can reliably chew without swallowing it, and supervise them.

What to do if your child is congested

Flying with a cold, sinus infection, or ear infection can make ear pain much worse. Congestion can block the eustachian tubes, making it very difficult for them to open and equalize pressure. This can lead to severe pain and, in rare cases, damage to the eardrum.

If your child is sick, especially with any ear or sinus issues, consult your pediatrician before you fly. They can assess if your child is safe to travel and may be able to suggest ways to manage the symptoms. They might recommend postponing your trip if the congestion is severe.

Never give your child over the counter cold or allergy medications without first checking with their doctor or pharmacist. Some medications are not safe for young children, and the timing of the dose can affect how well it works during the flight. It is a good idea to have some essentials in your travel first aid kit for kids, but always check with a doctor before giving medication.

If you do fly with a mildly congested child, be extra attentive during ascent and descent. Encourage them to drink fluids throughout the flight to help keep secretions thin. Using a saline nasal spray, if your pediatrician approves, can also help clear nasal passages before the pressure changes begin.

A checklist for your carry on bag

Being prepared means having everything you need within easy reach during takeoff and landing. You do not want to be searching through an overhead bin bag while your child is in distress. Here is a quick checklist for the bag at your feet, though you will want to know how to pack a travel day bag more generally.

1. Feeding supplies: For babies, have a bottle or your nursing cover ready. If you are using formula, have it pre-measured and just add water when needed.
2. Drinks: A spill proof sippy cup or straw bottle filled with water or another favorite drink for toddlers and preschoolers.
3. Snacks: A small bag of easy to eat, chewy snacks that are not choking hazards.
4. Pacifiers: At least two clean pacifiers for a baby who uses them. A clip to attach one to their clothing is very helpful.
5. Distractions: A favorite small toy or book can help keep them calm and seated while you manage the ear pressure strategies.

When to call your pediatrician

Most ear discomfort on a plane is temporary and resolves shortly after landing. However, there are times when you should seek medical advice, either before you travel or if symptoms are severe.

Get help right away

If your child develops severe symptoms during or after a flight, contact local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department. Medical care systems and emergency numbers are different in other countries, so it is helpful to know how to get help at your destination. Seek immediate care for:

• Severe, unrelenting ear pain
• Fluid or blood draining from the ear
• Hearing loss or a feeling of significant blockage that does not go away
• Dizziness or problems with balance
• A high fever, especially in a baby
• Unusual drowsiness or being very difficult to wake up

Talk to your pediatrician before you travel

It is always a good idea to discuss your travel plans with your child’s doctor, especially if you have any health concerns. Be sure to check in with them before your trip if:

• Your child has a current cold, sinus infection, or ear infection.
• Your child has recently had ear surgery, including the placement of ear tubes.
• Your child has allergies that cause significant congestion.
• Your child has a history of severe ear pain during previous flights.
• You have any questions about using medications for your child while traveling.

General travel information, not medical advice. Rules for car seats, flights and documents vary by country and airline, so check current official guidance. Kids' health note.