10 Best Baby Ear Defenders For Safe Protection From Newborn

Banz Baby Ear Defenders‍

Suitable from birth (though babies under three months old should only wear for short periods), these ultra-protective Banz baby ear defenders are among the best you can buy to preserve your little one's delicate ears. They have an SNR value (which refers to the noise protection level) of 26dB and an NRR (noise reduction rating) of 31dB, making them well over the recommended protection level needed for babies (20 NRR). They're lightweight, super comfortable, have an adjustable headband that allows for growth, and come in a number of cute patterns and colours. They're also suitable for children with special needs. A clear winner.

Ems For Kids Baby Ear Defenders‍

Ems ear protectors are the first specifically-designed ear defenders for newborns. With a 27 Decibel Noise Reduction Rating they provide substantial protection from loud noises, whilst the stretchy headband and cushioned leather pads on the ear cups reduce tension and ensure comfort. Weighing in at less than 115g, they're one of the lightest on our list (even better for delicate new arrivals) and the nifty fold-away design makes them super transportable. Great newborn ear defenders.

Edz Kidz Ear Defenders‍

These popular protectors from Edz Kidz are perhaps a little stiff for smaller heads, but they make a great pair of toddler ear defenders. Made to industrial standards for the best possible ear protection the headband adjusts to allow for growth and the padded strap means that they'll sit comfortably on your child's head. They even fold up nicely to make them easy to carry. There are also loads of colours for your toddler to choose from - if they choose for themselves, maybe it'll be easier to cajole them into wearing them? Here's hoping!

Alpine Muffy Baby Ear Defenders

Alpine employ a soft elastic band to keep these child's ear defenders in place and it makes them a super comfortable wear. Completely free from metal and other uncomfortable hard parts they're the perfect choice for younger babies or toddlers who can't stand the constricting feel of regular ear defenders. With noise protection up to 23 decibels, they are slightly less substantial than our top three, but still well above the recommended guidelines. They're really well designed too: they're fixed into place with a nifty click system and fold away neatly to be packed into bags.

Mpow Kids Ear Defenders‍

This robust pair of headphones from Mpow is a great all-rounder. They provide excellent, 25 decibel NRR level protection (European CE certified) with two layers of noise-dampening foam in the ear cups and a headband strap that's padded all the way up to the ear cups, removing the discomfort of stiff metal arms and making them super wearable. They come in several different cool colours, have an adjustable headband means they can be kept and used for years and the handy travel bag they come with makes them easy to transport. And at £10.95, they won't break the bank.

Snug Safe N Sound Kids Ear Defenders‍

Not only are these ear defenders made to fit children aged six months and up, but they also come with a five-year warranty, making them the perfect pair for parents looking to get a good few years' use out of them. The adjustable strap makes them ideal for accommodating rapid head growth in babies and beyond, and means they're easily shared or passed down to siblings. They're sturdy, well-made, foldable for extra portability and come in an amazing 14 colours!

Vanderfields Ear Defenders For Kids ‍

These Vanderfields ear protectors for babies are the best, most affordable ear defenders we found that still provide top-level protection. Designed for older toddlers and above, they're comfortable, lightweight and adjustable. Ideal for use at fireworks, music and sporting events, these will defend kids against the damaging effects of loud noises without costing an arm and a leg.

ZOHAN Kids Ear Defenders‍

We love the fab purple space design on these ZOHAN noise-cancelling headphones for babies - perfect for defending young ears against loud noises in style! They're adjustable, comfy around the ears and contain no metal parts, whilst also providing noise protection of up to 26 decibels. Though they're suitable for babies as young as six months old, we think they're particularly great for slightly older tots who can appreciate their fun designs, and who might be made more persuadable when it comes to wearing them if they like the way they look.

Safetots Baby And Children Ear Protectors‍

Specially designed to avoid that tight, pressurised feeling around the ears and head, these Safetots ear defenders feature extra-wide sealing rings around the ear cups and are filled with both fluid and foam for a super comfortable fit. Available in several different colours and patterns, we love the cute ladybird print! Just make sure that younger babies only wear them for short period.

ONANOFF BuddyPhones Kids Headphones‍

An ear defender is the perfect tool to protect your little one's hearing at loud events, but what about in-ear audio? In the current technological age we're living through, your child is likely to sample the joys of in-ear entertainment at a young age. If you're looking for a pair of headphones for your toddler that won't damage their hearing, these are a great option for kids two and up. The volume levels are capped at the 85 decibel level recommended by the World Health Organisation, so you can be sure your little one is listening in safety. They come with cute little stickers so kids can customise to their heart's content and at £14.99, they're great value, too. Also available in blue.

Kidadl Best Buys selects the top parent-recommended products across the web for families of all ages. If you liked our pick of the best baby ear defenders, then take a look at the best kids' walkie talkies and the best kids' microphones.