Even without experiencing ear problems, flying on a plane can be a problem for babies. If a baby or child has ear pain, things can be worse. Parents can do something about it. There are some things that parents can do before and during the flight to help their children cope with this annoying inconvenience.
Before flying
1. Tell your kid that their ears might pop while in flight. They tend to prepare themselves for something they expect.
2. Research on why ears pop. Ears pop when planes take off and land. Because the change in pressure is immense, the smaller Eustachian tubes in babies can’t handle the pressure and they pop. Pain usually accompanies this in children. It gets worse if he or she has a cold or ear condition.
3. Visit your pediatrician and have your kids’ ears examined. If your doctor finds something wrong, he might ask you to delay your flight. But if you cannot postpone it, you can take your child but strictly follow your doctor’s advice. Medication and hydration are two common remedies for this.
4. A dose of Ibuprofen will help ease your child’s pain. Ask your pediatrician about the dosage before you administer it.
5. The Eustachian tube loosens with enough hydration. Giving your child sufficient water allows for better mucus expulsion. Mucus build-up in the nasal passage is one of the main causes of congestion and pain in the ear. You can start the hydration process before boarding the airplane. This softens the mucus before the flight begins.
6. Distract him with his favorite toy. Just bring a quiet one so you will not annoy other passengers.
While flying
1. The Valsalva maneuver. Teach this move to your child. Have your child close his or her mouth and hold his or her nose. Tell the child to blow through his nose as hard as he can. This transfers pressure from the ears to the nose.
2. Bring a pacifier. A pacifier lets your baby suck on something continuously and relaxes the pressure in the ear.
3. Don’t let your baby sleep while taking off and landing. People swallow less while sleeping. These are the points when pressures are at their strongest.
4. Yawn even when not sleepy. It’s easier to teach this trick to older children. It releases pressure from the ears.
5. Distract them from the discomfort. If the child cries, sing a song or play with her to get her mind off the pain. You can bring her to the toilet and let her cry as this is one way of decompressing.
6. Covering the ears with the hands is a sure sign of pain. This is a dead giveaway that you have to do something about it immediately.
7. Baby ear plugs for flying or earphones are great companions in these situations. First of all, it stops more pressure from entering the tubes. Most pieces have built-in filters that control changes in pressure. Some earplugs are designed only for children.
Are you ready to conquer air travel with your infant or child? With these tips, we’re sure you will! Do you have other tips on how to prevent babies’ ears from popping on a plane? Feel free to comment below!
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