6 Top-Rated Toddler Headphones

In a nutshell:
Based on expert advice and extensive market research we selected BuddyPhones Cosmos+ as the overall best toddler headphones, as they have three safe volume levels, enhanced parental controls and noise canceling capabilities.

Popping in earbuds to listen to your favorite playlist or audiobook is second nature for most of us—and at some point you may choose to invest in a pair of headphones for your kiddo too. According to Michelle Neidleman Kennedy, AUD, an audiologist and tinnitus expert at Treble Health in New Jersey, appropriate headphones can help teach toddlers “safe listening habits that they will likely continue as they get older.” Headphones for toddlers block out ambient noise and may even keep them occupied during long-haul flights. But don’t rush out and buy any old pair, when it comes to toddler headphones there’s a lot to consider. Regular headphones are too loud for sensitive little ears and may cause permanent hearing loss, plus you’ll need to factor in the fit, design and other technical features.

The best toddler headphones are equipped with audio controls and have noise canceling capabilities designed to protect their developing sense of hearing. To help you understand these features we’ve consulted the experts and selected six options deemed safe for young children. Keep reading to find out more.

The Best Toddler Headphones

When Should Toddlers Wear Headphones?

When people talk about toddler headphones, they may be referring to one of two products: headphones that play audio at a safe decibel level and noise-canceling headphones. To reduce the risk of temporary or permanent hearing loss, toddlers and young children should wear headphones with an appropriate volume limit when using devices, like tablets, telephones, video game systems or computers. Some audio-enabled headphones also have a noise-canceling feature, which reduces background noise so your little one can hear at a safe level. Another product related to toddler headphones are protective ear-mitts, which do not play audio, but cancel out ambient noise so your child can hear clearly without running the risk of damage. Protective ear mitts or noise-canceling headphones should be used in settings where spontaneous or constant noise is likely to occur (think: concerts, firework displays, air travel or sporting events).

According to Alexis Philips, DO, a pediatrician at Memorial Hermann Medical Group Pediatrics in Atascocita, Texas, a safe volume range is 65 to 85 decibels. If noise levels exceed 70 decibels (dBA), parents should consider putting noise-canceling headphones on their child. If you feel you are in a situation that is too loud—or the noise level is at or above 85 dBA—then noise-reducing headphones should absolutely be utilized, says Neidleman Kennedy.

Unsure if the volume is too loud for little ears? Most Apple and Android devices have a sound level monitor that can assess both ambient and headphone decibel levels. Neidleman Kennedy suggests parents utilize this setting to set parameters to ensure that children cannot exceed safe decibel levels. Sound level meter apps are also a helpful tool for parents (Neidleman Kennedy recommends Decibel X, NIOSH or Sound Meter which are available for download from the Apple App Store and Google Play.)

One point to note is that toddler headphones that play audio should be used sparingly. Philips advises parents to limit use to no more than one hour per day with regular breaks to reduce the risk of hearing loss.

What to Look for in the Best Toddler Headphones

Have your ear to the ground for the best toddler headphones? Below find a few practical and technical features to consider before making a purchase.

• Volume output: Volume output is the most important feature to consider when purchasing toddler headphones. “Most headphones that are designated for children have a feature called output limitation, which automatically reduces the volume to about 85 decibels,” explains Philips. However, little ears are super-sensitive so you may need to manually adjust the headphones to a lower volume setting. Neidleman Kennedy sets a safe volume range for children under the age of 3 at anything up to 70 dBA, which is the decibel range of a regular conversation.
• Noise reduction rating: If you’re looking for toddler headphones with noise-canceling features, be sure to check the noise reduction rating (NNR). This refers to the effectiveness of the headphones at blocking out ambient sounds and background noise. “A good NRR rating is between 20 to 26,” says Neidleman Kennedy.
• Child-friendly materials. Toddlers are liable to chew and bite all sorts of random objects—including headphones. With this in mind, Philips advises parents to buy toddler headphones made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polycarbonate (PC) as these types of plastic are non-toxic and durable.
• Safe construction. With toddler gear safety always comes first. Before you hand over a pair of headphones to your child check for loose parts that may pose a choking hazard. “For younger children, you may also want to consider wireless headphones to reduce the risk of accidental strangulation and to prevent your child from constantly pulling the cord in and out of the headphone jack,” says Neidleman Kennedy.
• Comfortable fit. The best toddler headphones are lightweight, adjustable and have some cushioning on the ear-pads and headband. After all, if headphones don’t sit right or feel uncomfortable, chances are your child won’t wear them.

About the writer:
Martina Garvey is an editor at The Bump, where she writes and edits e-commerce content for pregnancy, postpartum and parenting. Over an eight-year career in educational publishing and digital media, Martina has developed a keen eye for detail and robust reporting skills. As a staff member on The Bump for over three years, she leverages an in-depth knowledge of must-have baby gear and postpartum essentials alongside a passion for the latest trends to create informative content parents can trust.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

Plus, more from The Bump:

The Best Baby Headphones to Protect Your Little One’s Ears

The Best Baby Travel Essentials for Your Next Family Trip

The Best Car and Airplane Toys for Toddlers on the Go