Best Headphones for Toddlers To Save Your Sanity

Music is an important part of life and loved by many – toddlers included. However, most headphones aren’t designed for the specific needs and safety considerations that kids headphones require.

In this guide, we’ve pulled together the best headphones for toddlers of 2018.

Best Toddlers Headphones Comparison Chart

ModelVolume LimitConnectivityPrice RangePrice
Puro BT220085dBBluetooth/Wired$$$Check Price
ONANOFF Explore85dBWired$$Check Price
Mpow Kids Headphones85dBWired$Check Price

Are headphones safe for toddlers?

Headphones are completely safe for toddlers to use – with some caveats.

Toddlers have sensitive ears which can easily be damaged by the loud volumes some headphones can output. That’s why the World Health Organisation recommends that toddlers are not exposed to volumes more than 85 decibels (dB).

Most headphones will easily exceed this limit which is why it’s important to buy volume-limited headphones that are specifically designed for kids.

Similarly, it’s recommended that in-ear headphones are avoided for children as they offer more volume thanks to the improved seal in-ear headphones provide.

That said, you should limit headphone use in toddlers with 2 hours at a time being the general recommendation.

What should you look for in the best headphones for toddlers?

When it comes to finding the best headphones for a toddler, there’s a few important features you need to consider:

  • Volume limited: As mentioned before, the WHO recommends that headphones for toddlers restrict the volume to 85 decibels (dB) or less to avoid damage to your toddlers sensitive hearing. Whilst some headphones may exceed this threshold, their volume output is far lower than those targeted as adults and there may be situations where the extra volume is helpful, such as on an aeroplane.
  • Adjustable headband: It’s not surprising that most headphones won’t fit the smaller heads of toddlers – despite most having some amount of adjustment built in. Kids headphones are designed for smaller heads, resulting in a far more comfortable and secure fit. You’ll also want to make sure that they can be easily adjusted to fit a range of head sizes so you don’t have to buy a new set of kids headphones after every growth spurt.
  • Connectivity: There’s two main ways of connecting your kids headphones to your smartphone or tablet – either the standard 3.5mm plug or wireless via Bluetooth. Wired headphones will be significantly cheaper. However, kids have a tendency to get tangled up. The cable is also the weakest part of a headphone and vulnerable to damage from regular use. Whilst Bluetooth headphones may cost more, they’re far more flexible thanks to the lack of wires – plus many phones such as the iPhone dropping headphones jacks, Bluetooth is the only way to connect without using dongles like this one <link>.
  • Durability: Kids have an uncanny way of testing the durability of whatever you buy them. Headphones are no different so you’ll want to make sure your toddler’s headphones can cope with the abuse they’ll put them through.
  • Noise Cancellation: Toddler noise cancelling headphones don’t really exist so you’ll want to look for headphones that offer good sound isolation instead so they can block out outside noise. This is good for two reasons: lower volumes can be used and there’s fewer distractions.

Best Headphones for Toddlers Overall: Puro BT2200 Volume-Limited Bluetooth Kids Headphones

If you’re looking for the best of the best headphones for toddlers, you can’t go past the Pura BT2200 kids headphones.

Whilst they’re the most expensive headphones on this list, you’re getting quite a bit for the extra cash. Not only do the Pura BT2200’s sport a stylish design that would look great for adults, they also feature both Bluetooth and wired connectivity for maximum flexibility.

The fully adjustable headband and padded ear cups ensure that they’ll remain comfortable as your child grows whilst the 85db volume limited protects your kids hearing.

That said, some users have complained that they’re not suitable for 6+ years as the headband can’t be adjusted that much.

Check Price at Amazon

Best Midrange Headphones for Toddlers: ONANOFF Explore Foldable Volume Limiting Kids Headphones

Boasting a far more kid-specific design with bright colors and decorative stickers, the affordable ONANOFF Explore foldable kids headphones are great for those looking for volume-limited headphones without breaking the bank.

Coming in at a third of the price of our top pick, the ONANOFF Explore packs in an impressive set of features given its budget price tag.

You’ll get the recommended 85dB volume limit to protect your child’s hearing and a durable frame designed to take the punishment kids can dish out. Whilst they’re not wireless, the included flat cable is designed to minimize tangles which is a plus.

They’re perfect for travel too, with a convenient folding design for easy transportation and an included travel bag. They also support music sharing via their “BuddyCable” which features an integrated headphone splitter so your kids can share a single device whilst using their own headphones – though the splitter does add extra bulk which could be problematic with cases that have small cutouts.

Check Price at Amazon

Best Budget Headphones for Toddlers: Mpow Kids Headphones with 85dB Volume Limited Hearing Protection

Whilst the Mpow Kids headphones are the cheapest on this list by a significant margin, it doesn’t mean that you’re sacrificing on quality. Mpow make some solid headphones and this pair is no different.

Much like the other headphones on the list, the Mpow headphones feature a durable frame, an adjustable headband and padded ear cups for a comfortable fit as well as the required 85dB volume limit – though some people complained that the volume is too low.

The headphones are wired, with a flat cable to reduce tangles made with food-grade materials – perfect given how often kids put things in there mouth.

There’s even a music sharing port, so your kids can listen to the same source with their own headphones.

Given their ultra-affordable price and comprehensive features, the Mpow Kids headphones are easily the best cheap headphones for toddlers.

Check Price at Amazon

 

Michael

Michael is a technology expert with over 15 years of experience in IT, Home Theatre and Automation. Feel free to send Michael a message here.

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