One day a mother approached us and asked, “I see many children’s earplugs sold in the market, do babies need earplugs for swimming?” This is one of the most common concerns we hear as teachers at Shapland Swim School. While earplugs for swimming can be helpful in certain cases, the simple answer for most babies is: no, they don’t need them. However, let’s dive into the specifics because comfort and safety matter in swimming.
What Exactly Are Children’s Earplugs?
Children’s earplugs, often silicone-based, are designed to prevent water from entering the ear canal. Babies have delicate ears, which are prone to infections. Hence, infant earplugs for swimming block the water, keeping the ears dry and preventing infections. However, understanding the broader water safety fundamentals is essential before considering them.
So… When Do Babies Need Earplugs for Swimming?
Now for the truth, not every child needs earplugs for swimming. However, there are situations where they are necessary. Here are a few conditions in which you should consider them:
- Chronic ear infections: If your baby has a history of repeated ear infections (otitis externa), water entering the ear can increase the risk of inflammation.
- Ear tubes (grommets): Babies who’ve had ear tube surgery should not let water enter their ears without the approval of their paediatrician. In such cases, baby earplugs for swimming help keep the ear canal dry and minimise discomfort.
- Swimming in untreated or contaminated water: Pools should always be hygienic. But if your child is swimming in lakes or poorly maintained pools, waterproof earplugs for swimming offer an added layer of protection.
- Cold water: Exposure to cold water can irritate sensitive ears. Earplugs help retain warmth and keep water out.
We’ve seen a wide range of cases where children need swimming earplugs. These include those with multiple ear infections. In most cases, paediatricians have recommended infant earplugs for swimming, which made children happy and back to loving their swim lessons. Therefore, in certain medical or environmental cases, children’s earplugs for swimming are a wise choice.
But for the vast majority of babies in clean, indoor pools, like those at Shapland, earplugs are not required. Therefore, if using earplugs gives you peace of mind, use them. After all, what parent doesn’t worry about their children, right?
Are Earplugs Good for Swimming? Pros and Cons of Earplugs for Children
Many parents ask me, “Are earplugs good for swimming?” After teaching swimming lessons for years, we can say earplugs are helpful in specific scenarios. Here is a quick breakdown of their benefits and drawbacks.
Pros:
- They prevent ear infections, especially in children prone to swimmer’s ear.
- They keep their ears dry, which can be comforting for some children. Keeping the ear canal free from moisture is also ideal for babies with sensitive ears or post-ear surgery.
- They reduce the risk in untreated water. Earplugs for swimming are essential in lakes, public pools, or open water bodies prone to contamination.
Cons:
- Poorly fitting infant earplugs for swimming may cause discomfort or fall out during active play.
- Children might become over-reliant on earplugs and resist swimming without them, reducing confidence in the water.
- They can cause potential earwax buildup, which may block the ear and interfere with the natural flow of air and sound.
- Earplugs, even those made from silicone, need regular cleaning, which may cause infections.
Shapland Swim School Recommendation
When we are asked, “Do babies need earplugs for swimming?”, our answer as Shapland Swim Schools always comes from both science and experience. With eight decades of swim teaching experience for babies, we won’t force you to do what you don’t like, especially when it concerns your child’s safety.
The truth is, most babies don’t need earplugs for swimming. However, we also understand that every child is unique and may need earplugs in certain conditions. Therefore, we recommend consulting with a paediatrician to understand if your baby needs them.
Trusted Baby Swim Schools in Queensland
Shapland Swim Schools remain among the most trusted baby swim schools in Queensland. For generations, families have relied on our personalised approach and proven teaching models to help their children develop water confidence from an early age. What sets us apart is our small class size of 3 children per lesson and flexible classes. This ensures your child gets individualised attention and lets us know if they need baby earplugs for swimming.