Unique ear protection ?

[Cserv]

Here's one that you probably don't get everyday. My wife is asking about ear protection for the next shooter in the family( he's due the end of October). She is wondering if anyone makes ear protection for infants, not for him to shoot(yet)but so he can be at the range when we are. Because momma wants to be at the range too. Any info is greatly appreciated. Any Doc's on here that advise against, or any particular age to start him at the range so he's not gun shy? Thanks in advance.
Eric

 

[jasonk]

Re: Unique ear protection ?

Nothing fits well enough that I'd trust it with an infants delicate hearing.

Peltor makes some Junior Muffs that are pretty good, but he will need to be 2 or 3 for them to fit correctly. I have used plugs with ear muffs onver them for my 3 year old, but not at the range, just us so I could control the amount of noise. He stood way back and I only took a few shots so he could see what it was about.

Hearing is not something you get a second chance with, ALWAYS error on the side of caution.

 

[TLong]

Re: Unique ear protection ?

Is there anyway that he could stay in the car, and mom can watch from inside the car? I don't know if the ones you can make at home would be good or not.

 

[spr1]

Re: Unique ear protection ?

I would second the wait until 3ish, best small muffs you can find and then have one of you stay well back of the line with the child.
Sound falls off as the cube of the distance.... distance is your friend.

 

[Cserv]

Re: Unique ear protection ?

Momma shoots too, so trade outs to the car w/ baby may be in order. More replies welcome.
Eric

 

[ORD]

Re: Unique ear protection ?

I don't know about anything for newborns, but I went through this (vicariously) with a buddy of mine a while back for his little girl and shooting buddy.

He ended up getting the Baby Banz brand ear muffs. They worked from around 6-8mo on and were VERY nice.

He ordered them online direct from the mfg, but I am sure if you Google Baby Banz, you'll find them.

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: Unique ear protection ?

Babysitters are a lot cheaper than damaging your infant's hearing.

I am all for taking kids to the range. My eight year old goes regularly. My two year old is still getting his home schooling on guns.

 

[JRose]

Re: Unique ear protection ?

Don't do it. She'll just have to wait a little while. Infants hearing is too venerable at that age.

 

[Victor N TN]

Re: Unique ear protection ?

When our kids were 5 or 6 I started taking them to the range and using regular ear muffs. They were big enough that I could squeeze the "hoop" together that goes across their heads for it to close up and fit.

For a new born, I would have to agree with the poster above and one of you stay in the car. Or get a grandmom or grandad to watch her for a while that day. I would NOT have a small child at the firing line under ANY circumstances. Especially shooting any high powdered rifles or large bore pistols.

I started shooting and hunting with my grandfather when I was 6 years old. I carried the little 22 rifle and he carried the ammo. When we saw a squirrel he gave me 1 round. If I didn't shoot it, he took it back. I never carried ammo on my own until I was a probably 11 or 12 years old and hunting on by my self, on the back of my parents farm. But I had been with my nine year older brother. He kept an eye on me for years.

Sorry to ramble.

 

[Cserv]

Re: Unique ear protection ?

Agree the hearing is Not worth the gamble. Just testing the water to see if any viable options. He'll be on the line w/ me before we know it, they sure don't stay small for long it seems. Momma and I will just have to get creative w/ our range times. Just like other times

Thanks for sounding off, appreciate the knowledge available on this board.
Eric

 

[dajudge43]

Re: Unique ear protection ?

yea...we use regular earmuffs...but i still dont like doing it..but when both parents shoot...what are you going to do