A window seat and headphones for toddler air travel can really help parents get through that flight. So while flying with toddlers may include some tears, the best toddler headphones for airplanes will be a good addition to your toddler airplane activities to help make that process a little less challenging.
Flying with toddlers is probably going to be different for every flight, but us parents will keep trying new things to make airplane travel as smooth as possible. While it’s important not to stress about a bad flight, it’s worth it to be prepared for the next one!
Keeping your toddler busy and entertained is key!
The loud sounds of the airplane can make it difficult for toddlers to hear without a high volume on the headphones. That plus the constant movement of people around can be very distracting for toddlers.
We recommend investing in a pair of high quality toddler headphones! Here are the things you need to know before buying the best toddler headphones on the market.
Best Toddler Headphones for Airplanes and Travel
- How to Choose the Best Headphones for Toddlers
- 8 Most Important Features for Toddler Headphones for Airplanes
- Best Toddler Headphones for Airplanes
- 1. LilGadgets Connect+ Toddler Headphones
- 2. CozyPhones Headband Headphones for Toddlers
- 3. Kidrox Tiger-Ear Toddler Sized Headphones
- 4. LilGadgets Kids Premium Wired Headphones for Toddlers
- 5. gorsun Toddler Bluetooth Headphones
- 6. Snug Play+ Kids Headphones for Toddlers
- 7. Riwbox Baosilon FB-7S Frog Toddler Headphones for Travel
- 8. ONANOFF BuddyPhones Explore Foldable, Volume-Limiting Toddler Friendly Headphones
- 9. PowerLocus Bluetooth Wireless Toddler Headphones
- 10. eKids Minnie Mouse Toddler Wireless Headphones
- 11. Mokata Wireless Toddler Headphones
- 12. Kidz Gear Wired Toddler Over-Ear Headphones
- 13. Riwbox BT05 Wireless Toddler Friendly Headphones
- Tips for Using Toddler Headphones
- Tips to Protect your Toddler’s Ears While Using Headphones
- Pin It For Later!
This post contains compensated links.
Don’t have time to read? Here’s our top choices for Toddler Airplane Headphones
- Best Overall + Best Variety – Style Snug Play+ Toddler Headphones
- Best for Comfort – CozyPhones
- Best for Under 3 Years Old – CozyPhones, Kidrox Tiger-Ear or LilGadgets Connect+ Style
- Best Double Pack – iClever Bluetooth Toddler Headphones
How to Choose the Best Headphones for Toddlers
Your top priorities when picking the best headphone for a toddler should be safety and comfort.
This means that it must be soft, padded and easily fit over your toddler’s ears. Looking for designs devoid of sharp parts or hinges that can snag onto clothes and hair is also a must.
Most importantly, toddler headphones should never cause any damage to hearing.
Noise induced-hearing loss defined by Johns Hopkins occurs when children’s ears are damaged by prolonged exposure to loud sounds. These can come from devices like iPads and tablets, learning devices like laptops, or loud music and TV shows.
Ensuring your toddler headphones have a volume-limit control is a safe way to avoid this.
Be sure to always keep a close eye out for the signs of hearing loss in children which might manifest in symptoms listed here.
Once you’ve addressed any safety concerns, find toddler safe headphones that are fun, colorful and vibrant! Vivid shades appeal to kids of all ages and are definitely a way for them to show off their own personal style.
Each child is special, and they each deserve the most unique and best headphones for airplanes available.
8 Most Important Features for Toddler Headphones for Airplanes
So what features should you look for to find the best toddler headphone for air travel?
1. Noise Cancelling
Noise cancelling and noise limiting features ensures that your child isn’t listening to their devices on the maximum volume to avoid external noises.
2. Compact & Foldable
Compact, foldable headphones that simply slip into any bag are the best for traveling with other essentials.
For families with more than one child, share ports without a splitter are a great way to prevent fights between siblings.
4. Fit of Headphones for Toddlers
Always choose headphones that are more likely to gently surround your toddler’s ears rather than the unwieldy earbuds which are likely to cause internal damage.
5. Adjustable Sizes
Adjustable sizes so that your growing toddler can wear them for a longer time is a wise investment choice.
6. Wireless
While wired headphones need not be charged and offer sharing options (shareports or splitters), rambunctious tykes might yank, chew or even wrap the cords around themselves.
7. Age of Toddler
The age and temperament of your toddler might help you select the best kind for them. The priority should always be comfort, with style choices and colors coming next, to keep those headphones over their ears.
8. Cost of Toddler Headphones
Cost is another factor to consider so do look out for offers like double packs of headphones if you have more than one kid.
Best Toddler Headphones for Airplanes
1. LilGadgets Connect+ Toddler Headphones
LilGadgets Connect+ Style’s reinforced metal hinges and internal wiring means that there will be no accidental ripping of cables by even the most energetic kids. The microfibre carrying pouch, extensive device compatibility and volume limiting features of these toddler headphones make them one of the best headphones for toddlers on the market.
The price is on point for these wired headphones and they are best suited for young ones between 2 and 8 years old. They are some of the best headphones for toddlers on airplanes as they work brilliantly in reducing the sound of the plane’s engine.
2. CozyPhones Headband Headphones for Toddlers
CozyPhones toddler headphones are one of a kind! These fun headphones are assured to never come off your kid’s head if they would have their way! CozyPhones have soft, flexible fleece headbands that wrap around your toddler’s head and roll up easily to fit in your purse.
Their portability and comfort-factor make them one of the best toddler headphones for airplane travel.
A cool second way to use your CozyPhones is to pull the band over your kid’s eyes to double as a sleeping mask if they fall asleep listening to music. So snug and comfy, but so durable at the same time, these headphones will be able to handle even the squirmiest toddlers without breaking.
CozyPhones comes in this fun unicorn style, but other CozyPhones styles include a fox, kitty, panda, frog and even Paw Patrol CozyPhones.
3. Kidrox Tiger-Ear Toddler Sized Headphones
Allow your toddlers to explore imaginary jungles with these tiger print headphones. The orange and black striped ear cups have ultra-soft 3D ears that pop out.
The Kidrox headphones have no controls on them and have an extra-long cord which makes them more suitable for younger kids who like to move around a lot.
The rubber wires hold strong against tiny fidgety hands. The included stickers are a lovely addition for kids with a flair for creativity.
While they do not fold up, these headphones come at a reasonable enough price to be added to your toddler travel essentials without a second thought.
4. LilGadgets Kids Premium Wired Headphones for Toddlers
Volume-limiting and passive noise reduction features make these one of the best toddler headphones for plane travel. The integrated SharePort technology allows you to connect multiple headphones to a single device.
These toddler size headphones are light, durable and padded with SoftTouch Fabric comfort. The 4ft long, thickly insulated fabric cord makes them perfectly durable for younger kids (3-7 years).
Above all, LilGadgets Kids Premium is a value for money set of headphones that is highly recommended for traveling by plane or car.
5. gorsun Toddler Bluetooth Headphones
The stylish clip-on cat ears of the Gorsun wireless headphones are bound to bring a smile to your toddler’s face. They also pair super-fast and easily with all kinds of devices, and have a volume-limiting feature to keep your toddlers ears safe.
They are adjustable, which means your kids will be able to use them for years to come. These toddler headphones are not only high functioning and compact, but easy on your wallet too. So, go ahead and bring these gorsun headphones for toddlers along on your next airplane trip.
6. Snug Play+ Kids Headphones for Toddlers
These toddler headphones from Snug Play+ come in a huge range of colors for your toddler to choose from. They are just as durable as they are lightweight, making these wired headphones great for little ones that play rough with their toys.
Encourage sharing among siblings with the share port feature so nobody feels left out. You also don’t even have to worry about them not hearing you because these headphones don’t fully drown out ambient noises.
All this, along with the ease of packing and folding them make these Snug Play+ headphones especially well-suited for travel.
7. Riwbox Baosilon FB-7S Frog Toddler Headphones for Travel
Looking for a pair of headphones that shout “for kids?” Well, the Riwbox Baosilon FB-7S comes with a fun frog on the side with LED lights which blink and flash three different colors in time with the music!
To keep your toddler’s hearing safe, these toddler wireless headphones have a three-stage volume adjustment switch. These aren’t completely noise canceling, so you will definitely still be able to call for them to get their attention.
While they are compatible with a variety of devices, they even come with a TF card slot to listen to downloaded music when there is no device to connect to.
8. ONANOFF BuddyPhones Explore Foldable, Volume-Limiting Toddler Friendly Headphones
These are the most creatively designed toddler friendly headphones on the market. The Onanoff BuddyPhones Explore come in six eye-catching colors. These can also be customized using the fun designer stickers that come included (some of which can be colored in too)!
With the volume-limiting capabilities to stop your kids from hurting their eardrums when there is noise around, and innovative flat cable design that ensures a hassle-free headphone experience, these really are one of the best toddler headphones for travel.
Aside from their quirky design, strength and durability are the two main selling points of these toddler-safe headphones.
9. PowerLocus Bluetooth Wireless Toddler Headphones
Boasting a built-in FM radio function and micro SD slot, kids will always be entertained even when their iPads or tablets die out.
On top of that, the microphone and anti-sound distortion functionalities makes the PowerLocus bluetooth headphones one of the best toddler headphones for remote learning.
Soft foam-filled earmuffs and padded headbands let children wear them for long stretches of time without any discomfort. Additionally, they come in a carry case making it easy to just fold and slip them in your backpack for your next trip with your toddler.
10. eKids Minnie Mouse Toddler Wireless Headphones
Bring the magic of Disney home by gifting your toddler these wireless headphones for Christmas. Along with premium acoustics for your little audiophile, these pink-colored Minnie Mouse headphones also come with a 30 hour battery for those extra-long journeys
Although these headphones can only connect to one device at a time, they are well-designed with buttons that are toddler friendly, making them a good investment overall.
They even come with a microphone that will have your kids excited to make calls to family and friends during your family-trips.
For super hero fans, these Spider-Man headphones by eKids are sure to please!
11. Mokata Wireless Toddler Headphones
If you need good quality toddler headphones that don't require you to break the bank, look no further than the Mokata foldable headphones.
These wireless headphones are long-range which means that if you’ve got a runner on your hands, there’s no need to worry! Let your little one burn off that energy, because the audio on these headphones is not disconnecting.
The audio clarity is good for all kinds of music, and the SD card slot makes sure the battery is utilized to its maximum too. Pack these headphones on your next vacation and enjoy quality “me time” while your toddler immerses themselves in their own world.
12. Kidz Gear Wired Toddler Over-Ear Headphones
These wired headphones can be used by pretty much anybody aged 2 years and above as they are highly adjustable, lightweight and soft.
Your toddler’s meddlesome little hands will find these a challenge to damage, so there’s no need to worry when the Kidz Gear headphones are put to use during playtime.
The brand aims at keeping your kiddos ears safe with a volume-sliding in-line switch for quick adjustments. They also come with an additional extension-type volume-limiting cable which gives you the choice to use them or not.
Easy on the pocket and so functional, these headphones are a no-brainer for the traveling family.
13. Riwbox BT05 Wireless Toddler Friendly Headphones
Tired of listening to ‘Baby Shark’ on repeat? These pastel winged headphones will feel like a godsend for both your kid’s hearing and your sanity.
With a volume switch for ‘child mode’ and ‘adult mode’, and a warning “beep” when they hit maximum volume, these headphones go out of their way to ensure safe listening.
You’ll probably be swiping the Riwbox BT05 for yourself every chance you get to catch your fave shows while your little ones snooze. Functional, adjustable, flexible, comfortable and mid-range, there’s no wondering why!
These Pegasus-themed toddler over ear headphones truly are worth every cent - for both you and your toddler.
Tips for Using Toddler Headphones
There’s nothing worse than buying new toddler essentials that you think are going to make a big difference only to find out your toddler has no interest! Don’t leave it until your trip to find that out…
Here are our best tips for getting the most use out of headphones for toddlers.
Disclaimer: every child is different and what works for one toddler may not work for the next. We offer these tips based on what we have done in hopes that it will help you!
Try Toddler Headphones at Home
The first thing to do when your toddler friendly headphones arrive is to try them at home. The best toddler headphones must be comfortable enough for your toddler to wear for small chunks of time.
Make sure you use them on multiple occasions before your flight so your toddler is accustomed to wearing them.
Let Your Toddler Choose the Headphones
Let your toddler pick their own headphones. Once you’ve narrowed down the choices to your favorite toddler safe headphones, let your toddler make the final decision. Toddler headphones offer many selections on color and style.
Chances are your toddler will be more interested in the headphones if it’s your toddlers favorite color or animal.
Use Your Headphones
If you have a set of adult headphones you use for travel, where them around the house. Let your toddler see you using them. Toddlers love to imitate adults!
Type of Toddler Headphones
Toddler headphones can be wired or wireless. You also have the option of toddler over ear headphones or a headband style. If the cord is an issue (and you can’t get your toddler to stop playing with it), get a wireless pair of toddler headphones.
Choose a style of headphones that will work best for your family.
Plan Ahead for Toddler Sleep
If you are planning on getting your toddler to sleep on the airplane, go for the headband type of toddler headphones.
This style of headphones for toddlers a lot more comfortable and can be even worn to reduce noise during nap times. Who doesn’t want to do what they can to get toddlers sleeping on flights!
Not to mention, getting some sleep at the right times can help to avoid jet lag in toddlers. If you don’t love the cord on the headband headphones, replace corded ones with toddler Bluetooth headphones.
Don’t Stress About the Headphones
After all that research and practice, if your toddler refuses to wear the best toddler headphones you could find, don’t stress! Simply let your children enjoy their devices on extra low volumes.
It’s highly unlikely they’ll disturb anybody. Let your toddler relax on one of these toddler airplane travel beds while watching a show.
Choose the Best Toddler Headphones for Travel
Not all family vacations will involve getting on an airplane with your toddler. Your toddler friendly headphones should work for road trips with toddlers too.
Wireless headphones that use Bluetooth are a great option to avoid your toddler having that cord to play with while in a toddler travel car seat.
Tips to Protect your Toddler’s Ears While Using Headphones
Noise Limiting Features
Choose headphones for a toddler that remove ambient noise without the need to keep raising the device volume. This lets kids use them while traveling or playing without any fear of hearing loss.
Test Headphones Yourself
Remember that for little ones, loud is always too loud, and that damage from headphones can be permanent if one isn’t too careful. So try the headphones on for yourself to see how loud they actually get. Also check to see if there are any sharp edges that may hurt your toddler.
This will give you a rough idea on suitability.
No Access to Volume Levels
Built-in volume limits will stop button-loving little ones from accidentally hurting their eardrums. The recommended level of safe listening for toddlers is 75dB, so the best toddler headphones for travel is one that is volume-limiting.
Have Your Toddler Take Breaks
Encourage taking breaks from the headphones with a range of toddler airplane activities like books, coloring and stickers.
Keep your toddler distracted with screen-free toddler travel toys when it’s time to give their eyes and ears a break. Find even more toddler travel toys in our 1 year old travel toys and 2 year old travel toys.
Toddler Over Ear Headphones over Earbuds
Headphones are more suitable than earbuds for airplane travel or road trips. Earbuds aren’t a good option for toddlers since they don’t fit well and can cause internal damage.
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