As a family man and a motorsports enthusiast, I want to expose my kids to the excitement and fun of racing, but I'm also aware that their hearing is at risk at the track. My kids have never liked earplugs, so I was excited when one of the Motorcyclist staffers told me about kid-specific Baby Banz earmuffs after we attended a flat-track national together.

Baby Banz is an Australian company that offers a comprehensive line of kid-size personal-protection products. The company is known for its sunglasses and other UV-blocking products, and now Baby Banz has expanded its lineup to include hearing protection.

Baby Banz describes its earmuffs as easy to wear, with low-profile ear cups and no protruding parts that might get hung up on kids’ hair or clothes. Comfort is an additional goal, with wide, foam-filled cushions that don’t put pressure on my kids’ heads or ears. The one-size-fits-all earmuffs are available in many colors and patterns.

While it isn’t easy to get a good critique out of a toddler (can you hear me now?), the fact that my son wore the earmuffs all evening without trying to take them off indicates that they are in fact comfortable, so they’re kid approved. Baby Banz says the earmuffs have a Noise Reduction Ratio of 31 dB—plenty to make a booming flat-track event safe and tolerable. A track mom and schoolteacher came up to me at one event and applauded my use of earmuffs on my son. Dare I say Baby Banz earmuffs are also mother and teacher approved?

PRICE: $30
CONTACT: babybanz.com

Verdict: Effective hearing protection for kids and comfortable enough that they’ll actually wear them!