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Best Baby Headphones for Noise Protection and Comfort

Best baby headphones

NEW MODERN MOM

12/20/23

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Written by:

Barbara Mighdoll

Not ready to stop your concert-going adventures after having a baby? I’ve seen my fair share of babies at Outside Lands, and I applaud you for not letting a baby limit your fun outings! When it comes to keeping your little one calm in loud situations, like concerts, sporting events or festivals, one of the best baby headphones can make a world of difference. In this post, we'll explore some top-rated baby noise canceling headphones that are designed for their delicate ears and can offer them the comfort and quiet they need in noisy environments.

Best baby headphones

Why Would You Need Baby Headphones?

Protecting Baby's Sensitive Ears

Babies have incredibly sensitive ears. Their auditory system is still developing, which makes them more susceptible to hearing damage. What seems like a comfortable noise level to us can be overwhelming for them. And that's where the best baby headphones can be a lifesaver. They reduce the decibel level reaching those tiny, delicate ears and provide a comforting barrier against the noisy world, protect baby’s hearing health, and give new parents peace of mind.

Noise Levels and Potential Damage

But what's considered too loud for a baby? To put it in perspective, normal conversation levels are around 60 decibels. Anything above 85 decibels (think busy city traffic) can cause hearing damage, or hearing loss, over time. Imagine the potential harm of a rock concert, which can reach up to 120 decibels. 

Instances Where Baby Headphones are Helpful

Where might these baby noise canceling headphones come in handy?

Personally, I don’t think its necessary for air travel which is a common concern, but there are several loud occasions you may want to bring your baby along for that should have caution:

  1. Sports Events
  2. Concerts
  3. Festivals
  4. Parades
  5. State Fairs
  6. Weddings

Factors to Consider When Choosing Baby Headphones

Here are some key factors that can help guide your decision.

Checking for Noise Reduction Rating (NRR)

One essential feature for baby noise canceling headphones is the Noise Reduction Rating (NRR). This rating indicates how well the headphones can lower ambient noise levels. Higher NRR numbers signify that the headphones provide more effective noise reduction. Even though a high NRR is desirable, it's not the only metric to consider.

Importance of Comfort and Fit

If the headphones are not comfortable, your baby may refuse to wear them. Look for headphones with adjustable bands and soft padding to ensure a snug fit without causing discomfort. Make sure they are lightweight and not too tight around the baby's head.

Assessing the Build Quality and Durability

Babies are curious and love to explore, which often involves some amount of rough handling. It's crucial to find headphones that can withstand such treatment. Opt for water-resistant and scratch-proof materials to ensure the headphones last.

It might take some time and research, but the end result will be worth it for the peace and quiet that comes with a content baby.

Best baby headphones

Best Baby Headphones for Noise Cancellation Listed by NRR 

Best baby headphones

Banz Earmuffs Infant Hearing Protection

  1. NRR: 31 dB
  2. Adjustable: Yes
  3. Padding: Foam-filled cushions
  4. Age recommendation: 0 – 2 years
  5. Material: High-quality plastic
  6. Care instructions: Wipe clean with a soft cloth

Banz Earmuffs offer one of the highest NRR on the market, making them a top pick for best headphones designed for travel. They provide a snug fit for long durations, ensuring comfort while effectively blocking out noise.

Best baby headphones

Dr. Meter Kids Protective Earmuffs

  1. NRR: 27.4 dB
  2. Adjustable: Yes
  3. Padding: Soft foam padding
  4. Age recommendation: 6 months – 12 years
  5. Material: Non-toxic ABS
  6. Care instructions: Wipe with a damp cloth

These earmuffs stand out as some of the best baby headphones due to their lightweight design and maximum protection. They offer an impressive NRR of 27.4 dB, providing your little one with a safe and serene environment. What's more, the earmuffs are adjustable and designed with soft foam padding for comfort.

Best baby headphones

Green Devil Noise Canceling Headphones

  1. NRR: 27.4 dB
  2. Adjustable: Yes
  3. Padding: Plush cloth
  4. Age recommendation: 3 months – 3 years
  5. Material: Lightweight plastic
  6. Care instructions: Hand wash only

Green Devil Noise Canceling Headphones are a godsend for parents seeking the utmost comfort for their babies. With plush cloth padding and a lightweight design, these headphones provide your baby with ultimate comfort during travel.

Best baby headphones

Friday 7Care Baby Headphones 

  1. NRR: 27dB
  2. Adjustable: Yes
  3. Padding: Extra padded for comfort
  4. Age recommendation: 0 months – 2 years
  5. Material: BPA-free, non-toxic plastic
  6. Care instructions: Wipe clean with a soft, dry cloth

Friday 7Care's headphones make noise control a breeze, providing flexibility and comfort in one package. With a claim of a “4-6x Quieter Environment”, these baby noise canceling headphones are ideal for various environments. Not to mention, they're made of BPA-free, non-toxic plastic and have extra padding, making them one of the best choices.

Best baby headphones

Pro Ears ReVO Kids and Baby Ear Muffs

  1. NRR: 25 dB
  2. Adjustable: Yes
  3. Padding: Comfort foam
  4. Age recommendation: 2 years – 10 years
  5. Material: Durable plastic
  6. Care instructions: Wipe clean with a damp cloth

Pro Ears ReVO Kids and Baby Ear Muffs are another top choice for baby noise canceling headphones. They stand out by offering a comfortable fit for a wide age range, making them a good pair for toddlers and older children too. But their highlight is the durable plastic material that can withstand the occasional rough handling by kids.

Best baby headphones

3M Kids Hearing Protection Adjustable Headband

  1. NRR: 23 dB
  2. Adjustable: Yes
  3. Padding: Cushioned padding
  4. Age recommendation: 6 months and up
  5. Material: Plastic and synthetic material
  6. Care instructions: Wipe with a clean, damp cloth

3M's Kids Hearing Protection is designed with travel in mind. Offering a decent NRR of 22 dB, these headphones are a reliable choice for air travel. Moreover, the adjustable headband and cushioned padding ensure comfort throughout the journey.

Best baby headphones

Alpine Muffy Baby Hearing Protection

  1. NRR: 23 dB
  2. Adjustable: Yes
  3. Padding: Soft padding
  4. Age recommendation: 3 months – 36 months
  5. Material: Hypoallergenic material
  6. Care instructions: Hand wash only

The Alpine Muffy headphones are a dream for traveling parents. Their soundproof design and NRR of 23 dB ensure your child’s hearing is protected from harmful noise. Plus, their easy-to-store feature makes them a practical choice for busy parents on the go.

Best baby headphones

Zohan Kids Ear Protection Headphone

  1. NRR: 22 dB
  2. Adjustable: Yes
  3. Padding: Water-resistant foam
  4. Age recommendation: 6 months – Young Teens
  5. Material: Water-resistant plastic
  6. Care instructions: Wipe clean with a damp cloth

Zohan Kids Ear Protection Headphones are a smart choice if you're looking for water-resistant, functional baby noise canceling headphones. They are easy to clean, and their water-resistant features make them perfect for outdoor activities.

Best baby headphones

LUCID Audio Hear Muffs For Kids

  1. NRR: 22 dB
  2. Adjustable: Yes
  3. Padding: Soft foam
  4. Age recommendation: 1 year – 4 years
  5. Material: Scratch-proof plastic
  6. Care instructions: Wipe clean with a damp cloth

LUCID Audio Hear Muffs not only provide excellent noise cancellation, but they are also kid-friendly due to their scratch-proof material. The soft foam padding ensures all-day comfort for your little one, making this a great pair of headphones.

Best baby headphones

PORMUCAL Baby Ear Protection Noise Canceling Headphones

  1. Adjustable: Yes
  2. Padding: Soft foam
  3. Age recommendation: 3 months – 4 years
  4. Material: Non-BPA plastic
  5. Care instructions: Wipe clean with a damp cloth

What sets PORMUCAL Baby Ear Protection Noise Canceling Headphones apart is their high NRR of 27 dB. They are one of the best infant headphones, perfect for your little one's sensitive ears. And, they're made from non-BPA plastic, which means you can rest easy knowing your child's safety is a priority. So, whether it's a bustling city or a noisy event, these headphones keep your baby's hearing protected.

Best baby headphones

BBTKCARE Baby Hearing Protection Headphones

  1. NRR: Not Specified
  2. Adjustable: Yes
  3. Padding: Reinforced padding
  4. Age recommendation: 0 – 2 years
  5. Material: Silicone-free, and BPA-free material
  6. Care instructions: Hand wash only

BBTKCARE offers top-notch, portable noise canceling headphones for babies. They are made with skin-friendly materials and reinforced padding for added comfort, perfect for your baby's delicate skin.

For products that do not have a specified NRR, it is common for similar products to have an NRR in the range of 20s

Best baby headphones

Questions You May Have About Baby Headphones

What age do babies need noise-canceling headphones?

Babies can benefit from noise-canceling headphones as early as a few weeks old. Newborns have very sensitive hearing, and exposure to excessive noise can cause ear damage. So, when you're planning to take your baby to a noisy environment where the noise levels could be high, those noise-canceling headphones could come in handy.

Are noise-canceling headphones safe for toddlers?

Yes, noise-canceling headphones are safe for toddlers, as long as they're used responsibly. The key is not to rely on them too heavily. Natural sound exposure is also necessary for your child's auditory development. It's about striking a balance. Toddler headphones are great tools for protecting your child’s hearing in overly loud environments, but they shouldn't replace the natural sounds and interactions your child experiences daily.

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