Best thing to help kids ears pop on the aiplane??

[abeyst]

Am I the only one earplanes didn't work for? My ears actually hurt worse when I used them. Maybe I had them in wrong somehow?

They didn't work for me, but I wonder if it's because I didn't have them in right, and I took them out mid-flight and put them back in right before the descent. Maybe I should have left them in the whole time?

I'd like to try them for us again, but I'd want to leave them in this time, and that's hard to do when my little ones want to put on ear phones for movies and mp3 players. I may have to come up with something else.

In the past I've given decongestant and brought gum. We've had some discomfort, but it's nothing that isn't kept under control. I also try teaching them to 'pop' their ears. They haven't quite gotten the hang of that yet!

BTW, Benadryl or any other antihistamine won't work - it's the decongestant you need. Unless, of course, you're trying to get them to sleep!!

 

[bopper]

Really little kids: a bottle

Little kids: sippy cup (bring an empty one if you want and get water/juice in airport or plane) or juice box

Big kids: chewing gum (bring your own, some airports don't sell it (like in Hilo Hawaii, we noticed!)


NOTE: If you use a sippy cup with a straw (like those rubbermaid ones), recall that there are pressure changes during the flight. So I recommend loosening the lid real quick when you land to equalize the pressure, otherwise when you open up the straw liquid comes flying out at you!

 

[savage1]

We always carry gum in our bags. Works great and the kids love the treat.

 

[GoofyKidd]

Last year, ear problems ruined our first day in WDW. Our DD(then 6) never had ear problems flying before. When we arrived in Orlando, both ears were clogged. Being a bit of a drama queen, also, she cried nearly the whole 1st day. We waited forever to come to WDW and we were the only ones on Dumbo crying.

This summer for our LONG trip to Italy, we went prepared! My pediatrician recommended children's Sudafed. I was concerned about getting thru security with a big bottle, since there is no travel size of that available. I found out that if it is medication you can take it thru security. To be extra safe, I bought a brand new one that was unopened, in case any issues came up. It was no problem and they barely gave it a second glance. About an hour before flying, I gave her a dose. Once on the plane we also used Ear Planes, she chewed gum and drank water. Now I know this is overkill, but I could not imagine a repeat performance of last year. Lo and behold, we arrived in Rome with clear ears and no problems. I plan to do the same when we leave for WDW at the end of this month. Good luck!!!!!

 

[Bunchkin]

We also give the kids Sudafed (the one found behind the pharmacist's counter) as well as Earplanes and chewing gum or suckers.

Never had a problem since.

 

[PoppyAnna]

Sugar free lollipops.

 

[lovebuzzandwoody]

Skittles!

 

[abeyst]

Skittles!

Really? I've never heard of that.

 

[lovebuzzandwoody]

I just find that because they are harder to chew than gum I get more relief from them. I actually discovered this on a road trip through the Smokies while I had an ear infection. Ever since then I take skittles instead of gum on the plane. It worked for my kids too.

Sorry, I forgot to quote the above post... I'm talking about the skittles!

 

[abeyst]

I just find that because they are harder to chew than gum I get more relief from them. I actually discovered this on a road trip through the Smokies while I had an ear infection. Ever since then I take skittles instead of gum on the plane. It worked for my kids too.

Sorry, I forgot to quote the above post... I'm talking about the skittles!

That does make sense. I'll have to try it for me, too. I have a business flight on Tuesday this week, so I can test it out before we all fly.

I may have to make this a last resort for the kiddos, though. Or tell them to chew them on the teeth without the fillings!

 

[lovebuzzandwoody]

That does make sense. I'll have to try it for me, too. I have a business flight on Tuesday this week, so I can test it out before we all fly.

I may have to make this a last resort for the kiddos, though. Or tell them to chew them on the teeth without the fillings!

Yes, not the best thing for your teeth!

I see by your ticker that you are going the week after us! Are you going to MVMCP?

 

[Scat_cat]

Gum, chewy candy, and/or snacks.

 

[abeyst]

Yes, not the best thing for your teeth!

I see by your ticker that you are going the week after us! Are you going to MVMCP?

Tried the Skittles yesterday, and they worked as well as gum does. They were pretty fresh, though. I think if they were a little more stale and harder to chew they'd work great.

Yes, we're going to the MVMCP on the 2nd! I can't WAIT to finally see those toy soldiers in person!!

 

[lovebuzzandwoody]

Tried the Skittles yesterday, and they worked as well as gum does. They were pretty fresh, though. I think if they were a little more stale and harder to chew they'd work great.

Yes, we're going to the MVMCP on the 2nd! I can't WAIT to finally see those toy soldiers in person!!

Glad to hear the skittles worked for you!

We are going to the party on 11/27! I am also very excited about it! When I pull up that page on disney's website I get all teary-eyed! Can't wait!

 

[NCTWINSMOM]

Oooohhhh, how I wish I would've known about Ear Planes before my first plane ride...I couldn't hear until weeks after the return flight...

I tried chewing gum but it didn't help me ANY!

Now I know...

 

[asmit4]

Hold your nose, close your mouth and blow. It works every time and it's free

Go ahead- try it, while sitting at home now It will work- you can feel your ears pop and clear

 

[lovebuzzandwoody]

Hold your nose, close your mouth and blow. It works every time and it's free

Go ahead- try it, while sitting at home now It will work- you can feel your ears pop and clear

Just as I thought... doesn't taste as good as skittles!

 

[Echo queen]

Hold your nose, close your mouth and blow. It works every time and it's free

Go ahead- try it, while sitting at home now It will work- you can feel your ears pop and clear

It really works Thanks

 

[Scambone]

i did the mistake of chewing to much gum (three pieces of bubble yum) and it ended up hurting my jaw...so if you go with chewing gum make sure you dont have to much! haha

 

[abeyst]

Just as I thought... doesn't taste as good as skittles!