When can Babies get Their Ears Pierced?

It’s a special day for the Singh family. Their daughter Chavi has turned six months old and is taken to get her ears pierced. She and her family are performing one of the 16 Sanskara. These are a set of ceremonies that celebrate life and its sacredness.

 

Chavi is one of the million girls who are getting their ears pierced during infancy. And Indians are not the only ones who do this practice. Ear piercing for babies is a phenomenon that occurs across different continents.

 

Ear piercing has been linked to tradition and beliefs since the dawn of time. Ear piercing has its roots in religious beliefs as well as folk medicine. It was also used as a status symbol during ancient times.

 

During the booming economy of the 1950s, more women collect earrings than they did before. Then in the 1970s, piercing parties and self-piercing became fashionable. Today, earrings and piercings are worn as pieces of accessories and fashion. 

 

But traditions don’t die so easily. The practice of piercing babies’ ears is still very prevalent. And while parents have the choice to opt out of this old practice, many still choose to give their child a piercing.

 

 Aesthetically speaking, a baby with a small, studded earring does look adorable. If you are interested in piercing your baby’s ear, then keep reading. In this article, we’ll discuss when you can pierce a baby’s ear and how to have a smooth procedure.

 

Is It Still Necessary To Give My Baby An Ear Piercing?

Last 2018, Kylie Jenner posted an image of her daughter Stormi on social media. The picture showed that the then-infant Stormi was wearing a pair of studded earrings. This sparked a debate on social media on whether it’s appropriate to give children piercings at a young age.

 

Jenner received mixed reactions for her post. Some stated that Stormi should only get pierced when she is old enough to consent. Meanwhile, others defend Jenner’s choice because of traditions.

 

A lot of people are divided on the idea of ear piercing for babies. These days, body modifications like circumcision and piercings are now being questioned for their ethical implications. That’s why more people are letting their children have the choice when they become older.

 

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends waiting for children to voice their consent. However, the AAP is also not against piercing for babies.

 

In the end, the choice of piercing falls on the parent. They have the authority over their own child on whether or not they should have a piercing.

 

When Can Babies Get Their Ears Pierced? 

There isn’t a fixed date on when babies can get a piercing or not. Again, this choice falls on the parent’s shoulders. They can discuss ear piercing with their pediatrician. But parents make the decisions at the end of the day.

 

Some pediatricians recommend that babies get pierced after their tetanus shots. This is usually when babies are around 4 months and older.

 

Tetanus cases are uncommon, and the risks are very low. However, there is no harm in waiting when it comes to your baby’s safety.

 

Some Dos And Don’ts For Ear Piercing Care

Like adult piercings, infant piercings require care and diligence. Piercings can carry some risks, such as infections. Here are some dos and don’ts on how to care for an infant’s ear piercing.

 

DO Have Piercings At a Reliable Place 

Some pediatric clinics offer piercing services. If your clinic does not offer such services, you can visit a jewelry store. Whether it’s a clinic or a store, make sure the place is licensed and reputable. 

 

Watch out for piercing places with plenty of complaints and negative reviews. You should also take note if the place is safe, clean, and recommended by other parents. Online reviews and word of mouth are good sources of information.

 

DON’T Pierce Newborn Children 

Giving children younger than 3 months a piercing can heighten the risk of infection with fever. They are more susceptible to infections because of their weaker immune systems. Parents should at least wait until their babies are older and have finished their tetanus shots.

 

DO Have Equipment Sterilize 

Make sure that the person who is doing the procedure has sterilized their equipment. This lowers the chances of infections. Be sure that the person who is piercing your child is capable and well-trained

 

DON’T Remove Earrings After Piercing For At Least Six Months 

Let your child’s ear heal first. Removing or changing a baby’s earrings too early can cause improper healing. You should also regularly clean your baby’s ear and earrings.

 

It’s also important to choose a hypoallergenic material for earrings. Sterling silver and gold are some good options.

 

DO Watch Out for Infections 

If you notice pus, redness, swelling, and pain within 24 hours, take your baby to the doctor. These are early signs of infections in the ear. Even in the best conditions, infections can still happen. So parents must observe their babies and make sure nothing goes wrong.

 

DON’T Use Dangling Earrings 

Lastly, most doctors and jewelers will suggest purchasing a studded earring over dangling ones. Dangling earrings can get tangled up in clothing and sheets. Babies can also pull them and turn those earrings into a choking hazard.

 

Conclusion 

Earrings are a part of people’s traditions, cultures, and lives. Earrings are worn for either aesthetic reasons, spiritual reasons, or a mix of both. In today’s world, earrings are given to children as young as infants.

 

Parents heavily debate whether piercing a child’s ear is still necessary or not. For a lot of parents, the decision falls into their hands. Some might do it early while others wait until a child can consent.

 

Thankfully, ear piercing is a quick and safe procedure. It is recommended that babies should be above 4 months to get a piercing. This is to avoid infections and fevers at a young age.

 

There is no fixed date on when babies can get a piercing. Some can have it as early as their 6th month, while some at around 1 to 2 years. As long as they have their vaccines, including their tetanus shots, they are eligible.

 

 Ear piercings are, for the most part, a quick procedure. Rest assured that it will only hurt like an ant’s bite!