Illustration of a parent and child seated on a plane

How to Help Your Child's Ears During Takeoff and Landing

Quick answer: Keep your child swallowing during takeoff and especially during descent. Use a bottle, breast or pacifier for babies; offer drinks to toddlers; and for older kids, gum or a lollipop. Keep them awake for landing.1,2,3

Step by step: what to do and when

Before you board

  • If your child has a cold or ear infection, check with their doctor before flying.2,3
  • Pack the swallowing tools in your carry-on: bottle or pacifier, a spill-proof cup, and age-appropriate snacks or candy.
  • Try to time naps so your child is awake for takeoff and landing. Kids swallow less while asleep.2,4

During takeoff

  • Start the bottle, feeding or pacifier as the plane accelerates.1,2
  • Older kids can sip water or start a lollipop or gum.2,3

During descent (the big one)

  • Begin swallowing tactics as soon as the descent is announced or you feel the plane start down, not just when the wheels are about to touch.
  • Wake sleeping kids gently for descent.2,4
  • Encourage big yawns.1,2

What works by age

Age Best options
Babies Bottle, breastfeeding or pacifier; keep upright when bottle-feeding1,2
Toddlers Sips of water or another non-caffeinated drink; pacifier if they use one; stay awake for landing2,3
Older kids Gum or a lollipop with supervision; drinks; yawning1,3
Teens Gum, candy, plus a gentle "pinch your nose and gently blow" technique they can learn2,4

About medicine

Some doctors suggest a pain reliever about 30 minutes before takeoff or landing for kids who reliably get ear pain, and some kids take allergy medicine. Ask your child's doctor first and follow package directions.2,3 Decongestants aren't recommended for young children.1

Where lollipops fit

A lollipop is an easy way to keep them sucking and swallowing through a long descent. If you use one, choose a sugar-free option, follow the directions on the package, and stay with your child while they enjoy it.

Sources

  1. Mayo Clinic. Airplane ear: Symptoms and causes.
  2. Nemours KidsHealth (medically reviewed by Yamini Durani, MD). Flying and Your Child's Ears.
  3. MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Traveling with children.
  4. American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation, ENT Health. Ears and Altitude (Barotrauma).

This article is general information, not medical advice. Talk to your child's doctor about your child's specific needs, especially before flying with an ear infection or giving any medicine.

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