How to help toddler or small children deal with the cabin pressure changes on a plane?

Question

i fly frequently and sometimes there are toddlers around, i understand it must be painful for them to deal with the pressure changes because they cry during ascend and descend. How do you help them? you can't teach them to swallow the spit or hold nose and blow air, what do you do?

Answer 1

During ascent, it can be uncomfortable, but usually not as bad as descent. You should not teach them to "hold nose and blow", that creates hugh risks for ear drum injury and infection; but you do have a few options.

Provide them something to suck on. A pacifier, bottle/sippy cup, even a lolly pop. These will help create just a bit of negative pressure to help equalize the ears. You will need to start right as the plane begins its descent, as once the pressure starts to build, it can be really difficult to catch up with. Chewable foods, such as dried mango, cereals, etc. may also help, but make sure it isn't something that can become a choking hazard.

You can also try to get them to yawn. This can create a "valsalva" effect, also equalizing pressure. Just let out a yawn in front of them, sometimes they will yawn in response (a weird human habit, ever notice if you see someone yawn, you yawn too?).

I've been flying for many years, and these techniques have been successful. Even using a bottle or pacifier on older kids, for the flight only, when needed to prevent the terrible discomfort of ear block.

There is also one thing I have noticed, is that sleeping children rarely suffer ear block... If they are asleep during the descent, you may get away with allowing them to remain asleep without having to try anything else.

Good luck!

Answer 2

During take off and landing plastic cups held firmly over the ears can help the pressure equalize more slowly thus not causing discomfort...

If the child is young enough to suckle that suckling action during take off and landing helps...

If it's and older child sucking on a hard candy (Lifesavers are perfect) will illicit the swallowing motion that helps...

Answer 3

Give them something to eat.  A small bag of cheerios fits into a carry on bag easily.  They chew, swallow and the pressure should then be eased.