How to Clear a Baby's Ears on an Airplane

If you've done a lot of flying in your lifetime, you're well-acquainted with the popping sensation in your ears as you increase in altitude. While most adults are able to ignore these changes in air pressure, or chew gum to alleviate the discomfort, babies aren't so patient. Fortunately, you don't have to draw the disapproving stares of everyone else on board the plane. Use a few tried-and-true techniques that can help calm and soothe your little one. They're not guaranteed to work, but it's worth a try.

Things You'll Need

  • Bottle
  • Pacifier

Instructions

    • 1

      Give your baby a bottle. The act of sucking the formula or breast milk out of the bottle can help clear your baby's ears.

    • 2

      Breastfeed your baby. Like bottle feeding, the act of nursing can help your baby's ears pop, which will ease her discomfort.

    • 3

      Offer your little one a pacifier. Like bottle feeding and breastfeeding, sucking on a pacifier will help clear the ears.

    • 4

      Rub your baby's ears. Gently massage the outer ears, which can help ease the discomfort associated with plugged-up ears.

    • 5

      Keep your baby awake during takeoff and landing. When babies sleep, they don't swallow as often, which can cause the ears to feel plugged up and painful. Swallowing helps alleviate that pressure, and swallowing more often can help clear the ears.

    • 6

      Talk to your baby's doctor if she has an ear infection. Your child's pediatrician might recommend giving her an infant pain reliever. In more severe cases, your child's doctor might recommend postponing your travel plans.

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