Why Do Airplane Ears Pop And How To Fix It For Crying Babies

Traveling by air with a baby can be both exciting and stressful—especially when your little one starts crying during takeoff or landing. One of the most common reasons for this distress is ear discomfort caused by rapid changes in cabin pressure. The phenomenon of \"popping ears\" affects adults too, but infants cannot express their pain clearly or equalize pressure on their own. Understanding why this happens and how to manage it effectively can transform a potentially traumatic flight into a smooth journey.

The Science Behind Airplane Ear Pressure

When an airplane ascends or descends, the atmospheric pressure outside the body changes rapidly. Inside the middle ear, however, pressure remains constant until it can be balanced through the Eustachian tube—a narrow passage connecting the middle ear to the back of the throat. This tube normally opens when we swallow, yawn, or chew, allowing air to flow in or out and equalize pressure on both sides of the eardrum.

During flight, especially during descent when cabin pressure increases, the higher external pressure pushes the eardrum inward. If the Eustachian tube doesn’t open quickly enough, this causes a vacuum effect, leading to that familiar “full” or painful sensation. In babies, the issue is magnified because their Eustachian tubes are shorter, narrower, and more horizontal than in adults, making them less efficient at equalizing pressure.

Additionally, if a baby has a cold, allergies, or congestion, the Eustachian tubes may already be swollen or blocked, further increasing the risk of severe ear pain. This explains why some infants cry intensely during landing—their ears feel like they’re being squeezed.

“Infants are particularly vulnerable to barotrauma during flights because their anatomy makes pressure equalization difficult. Proactive feeding or sucking strategies can make a significant difference.” — Dr. Lena Patel, Pediatric Otolaryngologist

How to Prevent and Relieve Ear Popping in Babies

While you can't eliminate pressure changes during flight, you *can* help your baby manage them safely and comfortably. The key is encouraging swallowing motions that activate the Eustachian tube. Unlike adults who can intentionally yawn or perform the Valsalva maneuver (gently blowing while pinching the nose), babies rely entirely on caregivers to facilitate these actions.

Feeding During Takeoff and Landing

Breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or offering a pacifier during ascent and descent encourages continuous sucking and swallowing, which naturally opens the Eustachian tubes. For formula-fed babies, ensure the bottle nipple allows slow, controlled flow so they don’t gulp air. Breastfed babies often self-regulate better, making nursing ideal during critical pressure phases.

Tip: Schedule feedings around takeoff and landing—even if it means waking a sleeping baby briefly to nurse or take a bottle.

Pacifier Use: A Simple Solution

If your baby uses a pacifier, have it ready before the plane begins its descent. Sucking on a pacifier triggers repeated swallowing, helping to balance ear pressure. Choose an orthodontic-style pacifier that supports natural jaw movement and avoid forcing it if your baby resists.

Encourage Swallowing with Sips (for Older Infants)

Babies over six months old who drink from a sippy cup or straw cup can benefit from sipping water or breast milk during descent. The act of drinking—not just the liquid itself—activates the muscles needed to open the Eustachian tube.

Step-by-Step Guide: Managing Baby’s Ear Pressure During Flight

Follow this timeline-based approach to minimize ear discomfort throughout your flight:

1. Before Boarding: Ensure your baby is well-rested and fed. Avoid arriving stressed or rushed, as overtired babies are harder to soothe mid-flight.
2. During Boarding: Keep your baby upright. Use a carrier instead of a stroller if possible to maintain head alignment and comfort.
3. Pre-Takeoff: Begin nursing, bottle-feeding, or offer a pacifier as the plane taxis and prepares for takeoff.
4. During Ascent: Continue feeding or pacifier use until the plane reaches cruising altitude (typically 5–10 minutes).
5. Cruising Phase: Allow your baby to sleep, play, or feed normally. No special action needed unless they show signs of discomfort.
6. Pre-Landing (Start 30 Minutes Before Descent): Wake your baby gently if asleep. Offer a bottle, breastfeed, or give a pacifier. For older infants, provide a drink via cup.
7. During Descent: Maintain active sucking or swallowing until the plane touches down and slows completely.
8. After Landing: Monitor for lingering fussiness. Some babies may experience temporary muffled hearing or mild discomfort, which usually resolves within hours.

What Not to Do: Common Mistakes Parents Make

Even with good intentions, certain habits can worsen ear pressure issues. Avoid these pitfalls:

Mistake	Why It’s Harmful	Better Alternative
Letting baby sleep through descent	No swallowing occurs, increasing risk of trapped negative pressure	Gently wake baby to feed or use pacifier
Using decongestants without medical advice	Risky for infants; some ingredients aren't age-appropriate	Consult pediatrician before travel if baby is congested
Forcing a bottle while lying flat	Increases choking risk and reduces swallowing efficiency	Hold baby semi-upright (30–45 degrees) during feeding
Delaying intervention until baby cries	Pain may already be intense; prevention works better than reaction	Start preventive measures before symptoms appear

Real-Life Example: Sarah’s Transatlantic Flight with Her 8-Month-Old

Sarah was nervous about her first long-haul flight with her daughter, Emma, who had recently recovered from a mild cold. She consulted her pediatrician, who advised against medication but emphasized proactive feeding during pressure changes.

On the flight, Sarah nursed Emma throughout takeoff. Mid-flight, Emma slept peacefully. But as the captain announced descent, Sarah woke her gently and began breastfeeding again. Though Emma fussed initially, she settled into rhythmic sucking within minutes. To Sarah’s relief, Emma didn’t cry once during landing.

“I was amazed,” Sarah later shared. “The second flight, I forgot the timing and waited until she started crying. That time, she screamed for ten minutes. Now I know: prevention is everything.”

When to Seek Medical Advice

Occasional ear discomfort during flights is normal and typically resolves quickly. However, persistent symptoms may indicate a more serious issue such as acute otitis media (middle ear infection) or barotrauma (pressure injury).

Seek medical evaluation if your baby shows any of the following after a flight:

• Fever lasting more than 24 hours
• Pulling at ears combined with irritability
• Fluid draining from the ear
• Unusual drowsiness or vomiting
• Difficulty hearing sounds (e.g., not responding to voice)

Children with frequent ear infections, cleft palate, or chronic respiratory conditions should be evaluated by a pediatrician before flying. In some cases, doctors may recommend delaying non-essential travel until recovery.

FAQ: Common Questions About Baby Ear Pain on Planes

Can I use infant pain relievers before flying?

Yes, but only under medical guidance. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen (for babies over 6 months) can be given 30 minutes before takeoff or landing to preempt pain. Never medicate without consulting your pediatrician, especially if your baby has health conditions or is dehydrated.

Do ear plugs or noise-canceling headphones help with popping?

No. While infant-safe noise-dampening headphones protect hearing from engine noise, they do not prevent pressure buildup. Specialized earplugs designed for adults (like EarPlanes) work by slowing pressure change, but they are not approved for infants and should not be used.

Is it safer to fly with a newborn?

Medically, airlines allow newborns as young as 48 hours old, but many pediatricians recommend waiting until at least 2–3 months. Newborns have even smaller Eustachian tubes and immature immune systems, increasing risks of pressure pain and infection exposure. Always consult your doctor before flying with a very young infant.

Quick-Reference Checklist for Stress-Free Flying

Print or save this checklist to prepare for your next flight:

• ✅ Confirm baby is healthy—no fever, cold, or ear infection
• ✅ Pack extra bottles, snacks, pacifiers, or nursing cover
• ✅ Schedule feeding times around takeoff and landing
• ✅ Dress baby in layers for temperature regulation
• ✅ Bring favorite toys or books to encourage alertness during descent
• ✅ Keep baby upright during pressure changes
• ✅ Have pediatrician’s contact info handy in case of post-flight concerns

Final Thoughts: Fly Smarter, Not Harder

Ear popping on airplanes isn’t dangerous for most babies, but it can be deeply uncomfortable—and loud. By understanding the mechanics of ear pressure and taking simple, proactive steps, parents can significantly reduce their baby’s distress. The goal isn’t silence, but comfort. With preparation, patience, and a few smart techniques, you can turn a challenging part of travel into a manageable moment.

💬 Have a tip that worked for your baby? Share your experience in the comments below—your insight could help another parent breathe easier on their next flight.