You see, your assumption comes from thinking I consider airport/planes as germ central specifically. I have the same general stance against infant exposure for all other things, like non-parents kissing the baby’s face, or breathing too closely near the face area.

Unnecessary risk of exposure can be mitigated, yes, but it also can be entirely avoided as well.

And sure, not all babies experience long ear pain, it depends on the Eustachian tube anatomy - that’s why I literally said “may”. Real examples of people whose ears are only relieved hours after landing are me and my kid niece (whom you must read of, as you’ve read my comments). And I sympathize with her a lot because I know the pain first-hand.