Best Baby Ear Protection

Last Updated: May 19, 2023 @ 9:47 am.

Best Budget-Friendly: BBTKCARE Baby Headphone Noise Cancelling Headphones for Babies

When we asked our parent readers for their favorite baby ear protection headphones, this model by BBTKCARE came up time and again as an option with good bang for the buck. We liked the overall quality here—it is comfortable and fits well.

A quick word on the headphones in this article—all these ear muffs are passive noise cancelling. They don’t use batteries, unlike expensive headphones that use “active” noise cancelling. In our talks with pediatricians, passive noise cancellation (aka ear muffs) are all most babies and toddlers need to avoid harmful sound levels.

What We Liked

• Soft ear pads.

• Works well for fireworks, planes, sporting events.

• Comfortable.

• Affordable.

• Adjustable headband.

What Needs Work

• A bit heavy at 6.4 ounces.

Best Lightweight: Alpine Muffy Baby Ear Protection for Newborn and Babies up to 36 Months

When it comes to baby ear protection, one tip we heard from our readers was loud and clear: the lighter the better. 

Yes, some baby ear muffs can be surprisingly heavy. This model by Alpine weighs just 3.5 ounces—and is excellent in quality.

What We Liked

• Easy to adjust.

• Comfortable.

• Lightweight.

• Brand has good quality reputation.

• Three colors.

• Elastic strap is washable.

• Strap goes across top of forehead so no pressure on fontanel.

What Needs Work

• A bit pricey.

Best Gift Idea: Friday Baby Baby Ear Protection

If you are looking for a baby shower gift, these headphones have an extra bonus: they come in a nice gift box. And the brand got high marks from our readers for overall quality and easy of use . . . while being easy on the wallet.

What We Liked

• Easy to adjust.

• Comfortable.

• Affordable.

• Comes in nice gift box.

• Lightweight at 4.2 ounces.

• BPA free.

What Needs Work

• Best for smaller babies.

Best Tried & True Brand: Baby BANZ Earmuffs Infant Hearing Protection

Although these baby headphones are more pricey than others we tried, we like the Baby BANZ brand (which also makes sunglasses that we recommend). Good quality—and yes, there are two sizes here (this one is for babies but the company also makes a 3+ year old version).

What We Liked

• Good at reducing noise.

• Padded headband is comfortable.

• Collapsible design is great for air travel.

• 12 colors.

• Sized for kids aged 0-2 years of age (larger size available for older toddlers).

What Needs Work

• Pricey.

About the Authors

Denise & Alan Fields are consumer advocates and best-selling authors. The Fields have authored 12 books with three million copies in print, including the best-selling guide to baby gear, Baby Bargains.

The Fields have been featured and quoted in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Los Angeles Times.

As consumer products experts, the Fields have been guests on the NBC Today Show, Good Morning America and ABC’s 20/20.

How We Pick Products To Recommend

We often turn to our readers (3 million strong!) to find products to recommend. We ask our parent readers for their favorites and consider their real-world experiences in our recommendations.

When we test a product, we always purchase it with our own monies. We do not take free samples, as we believe that compromises our independence.

We also fact check manufacturer information with our own measurements. If a maker claims a product weighs X pounds, we will weigh it to make sure. If the battery life is supposed to be six hours, we will see how it stands up in the real world.

In some cases, we will do interviews with experts in the field to get additional feedback on products.

To get hands-on time with products, we regularly meet one-on-one with gear companies and even tour manufacturing facilities. (When we do this, we pay our own travel expenses).

Why Trust Us

We’ve been rating and reviewing products for the home and families since 1994. We do extensive research, evaluating products with an eye toward quality, ease of use and affordability.

We make our living from affiliate commissions, but we always recommend what we think are the best bets for our readers (not the ones that are the most expensive). We are always looking for products that offer the best bang for the buck.

Our independence is a key reason why we have been doing this so long. As we mentioned above, when we purchase a product for hands-on testing, we do so with our own money.

Here’s another key point: we don’t take money from the brands we review. No free samples, no sponsors, no “partnerships.” Our work is 100% reader-supported!