How to stop your baby's ears popping on a flight

Here are a few ways to help prevent discomfort that's caused by popping ears during take-off and landing.

The most common methods, especially when landing, involve encouraging your baby to drink or eat, or to suck a dummy. Bizarrely, crying can equalise the pressure in baby's ears, and is, perhaps, one of the most effective methods.

"The most common methods, especially when landing, involve encouraging your baby to drink or eat, or to suck a dummy."

Dr Laurence Gerlis of samedaydoctor.com and health expert for the HolidayExtras.com expert panel, added: "There is no danger to babies with flying. However, anyone who has flown with a child on board will know that as the plane descends the air pressure in the ears can cause a lot of screaming. Make sure you have a drink on board for this as swallowing will equalise the pressures in the ear."

Pack the essentials:

• At least two bottles of milk and/or water
• A favourite dummy
• Some soft food snacks suitable for your baby

Want to know how to keep your baby from crying? Why not read our guide?

Travel insurance for children

Make sure your baby travels fully covered for medical expenses. With Holiday Extras, you can add your newborn baby to an existing holiday insurance policy. Depending on your cover level, it shouldn't cost you anything to do so. As long as you haven't left the UK, your child can be added for free to a single trip policy or your annual travel insurance policy.

For more information, visit our children's travel insurance page.

Remember to book your airport parking, airport hotels and airport lounges with HolidayExtras.com.