Baby's Ear Piercing: Right Age And 9 Things To Know About It

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Piercing the ears of babies is a prevalent practice in many cultures worldwide. In Hispanic, Indian, and some African communities, it’s often viewed as a rite of passage or a way to add beauty. In certain cultures, the ears of boys are also pierced when they are still babies. However, as a parent, you may be unsure if ear piercing is safe for babies or when to pierce baby ears. Since the practice is painful, parents often find it difficult to decide whether or not they should get their baby’s ear pierced.

Moreover, many different perspectives exist around the world about ear piercing. In certain nations, there have been petitions against baby ear piercings. However, in certain others, it is considered traditional and unusual if it is not done.

In this post, we answer some frequently asked questions regarding ear piercings for babies, including when and where you can get your baby’s ear pierced, how it is done for babies, and how to prepare your baby for it. The article also offers advice on coping with any infections that babies may contract and recommendations on the type of earrings your infant could wear.

When Can You Get Your Baby’s Ears Pierced?

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), there is no fixed age for piercing your child’s ears, and regardless of the age, ear piercing is not risky as long as it is done correctly and hygienically (1).

Some parents get it done when the baby is just 12 days old, while some prefer to wait until her first birthday. The Indiana University Health suggests waiting for at least three months before getting the baby’s ears pierced to reduce the risk of infections (2). Therefore, the age may differ depending on the individual child.

AAP recommends waiting until the child is old enough to take care of the pierced ear. In real-world terms, this should translate to an age of two years.

Two years is a suitable age for ear piercing due to several factors: Your baby’s body is less prone to allergies, she is old enough to understand instructions, and the skin is still soft but not delicate like before. It is also the time by when most of the major immunization shots, including tetanus, would be done (3).

A study has illustrated that children are least prone to keloids – an overgrowth of scar tissue – when the piercing is done between one and ten years of age (4).
Eventually, you may choose when to get your baby’s ears pierced. If you proceed with the decision of getting your baby’s ears pierced a bit early, then you must get it done at the right place.

Where Can You Get Your Baby’s Ears Pierced?

Some people get it done at their local jeweler while some prefer going to a medical professional, who also practices ear piercing.

There is no restriction here provided the person is a professional, and the place is aseptic.

The tools used for the job must be sterile. Do keep in mind that ear piercing is different for babies and adults. Therefore, do some research and find a place that has a decent reputation of getting the baby piercing done. Do not simply select a random place. Give preference to pediatricians and medical professionals who do ear piercing for a fee, since they are educated about safety guidelines.

How Is The Ear Piercing Done For Babies?

Image: Shutterstock

The baby piercing process can be similar to that for adults. Here is a stepwise breakdown of the procedure:

Step 1: The technician/doctor disinfects the piercing site by cleaning it with alcohol or any other skin disinfectant. To keep things hygienic and professional, he/she must wear surgical gloves.

Step 2: Piercing can be done through needle-based piercers or piercing guns. It depends on what the parent prefers and what the ear piercing professional recommends. Both cause a bit of pain but only when the piercing is in the process that is a few minutes.

Step 3: The holes will then be filled with gold-post earrings or studs, which act as a placeholder to prevent the hole from closing. Gold or sterling silver could be the metals of choice in jewelry since it is less likely to cause infections and/ or allergic reactions (2) (5). It does not exacerbate the existing redness and mild inflammation. Make sure the gold is at least 14 karat. An alternative to gold is surgical steel, which is free of nickel. Gold-plated surgical steel earrings are also good.

Step 4: The technician/doctor will place earring backs behind the earring to secure the earring in its place.

The bottom of the ear lobes is considered the ideal location for piercing. Spots other than the conventional ear lobe are not meant for piercing during childhood. Pediatric experts do not recommend body piercing as it increases the risk of infections of the skin or cartilage (5). Therefore, stick to the lower ear lobe; it is easier and less painful due to an absence of a bone in that region.

Megha, a mother to twin daughters, says, “I was terrified about getting my daughter’s delicate little ears pierced. I was worried about how much pain it would cause them, whether there would be dreadful results like uneven holes, and if there would be post-piercing complications like infection and keloids. However, my fears were unwarranted as we selected an experienced piercer to do the job in a clean environment. I had taken along alcohol swabs and local anesthetic spray. The position of the hole was first marked with a pen, the earrings were selected beforehand, the area was disinfected, an anesthetic was applied, and within a minute, a quick gunshot did the job. The girls did cry but only for a minute, after which they went back to being their usual smiley selves (i).”

The process needs preparation from your side, so that it does not become hectic later.

How To Prepare The Baby For Ear Piercing?

Some simple preparations can make the process of ear piercing for kids and babies smooth:

1. Your child should be in good health to reduce the chances of irritability and improve her tolerance during the process. If she is sick, or just faced a bout of illness, then postpone the plan to a later date. In some rare instances, the child may have an increased risk of infection if she suffers from congenital heart disease (6).

2. Carry your baby’s favorite toys, pacifier or other interesting stuff to distract her while piercing. They come handy when she gets cranky.

3. On the big day, let your child wear buttoned clothes that can be removed without pulling the dress over the head. This can mitigate the chance of an accidental tug at the ears.

4. During the piercing process, hold the child firm yet gentle. She is quite likely to move after the first ear is pierced. To get the second one, right on the mark, hold her still and cajole her with some soothing words.

5. Praise your child for being brave and cooperative throughout the procedure. Give her a special treat later.

Once the piercing is done, you need to choose earrings that are safe and convenient for your little one.

What Are The Types Of Earrings A Baby Can Wear?

Babies should only wear post-type small earrings that fasten securely in the hole. Choose earrings that have a soft fastener at the rear, which is less likely to prick the baby’s skin. These earrings are also lightweight.

Image: S: iStock

• Never select dangling earrings for your baby. Your baby can accidentally tug at them, thus hurting herself.

• Also, stay away from earrings with large and sharp projections at the rear, which may hurt the baby while sleeping. Tend to the piercing site with care.

Precautions To Take After Piercing

It will take about four to six weeks for the holes to heal. Therefore, you need to prioritize good ear care for your little one. During this phase, check for any infections and follow the below-mentioned ear piercing aftercare tips:

• As mentioned above, swap the earrings once in a week from one ear to another. Every time you remove an earring, clean it with a cotton swab dipped in a disinfectant.

• Tend the pierced site with clean hands. Wash and dry your hands thoroughly before you touch your baby’s ears.

• Dab some disinfectant twice a day for about 45 days after the piercing is done, to prevent the proliferation of bacteria. Also, wash the area around the ears only with baby-safe antibacterial soap.

• Keep your baby away from dust since it can be a carrier of bacteria.

• Prevent your baby from tugging her ears.

You are aware that pierced ear holes are prone to infection. Therefore, keep checking for any signs and nip them in the bud. The Seattle Children’s Hospital adds that infection may occur even after the pierced hole has healed if (7):

• Earrings and posts are not cleaned regularly.

• Earrings are too tight and not taken out at night.

• Any scratch or tear occurs in the ear channel due to inserting the post at a wrong angle.

• Post contains nickel that may cause itching and allergy.

Caution

Sometimes, ear piercing may cause complications such as deformed auricles (the external part of the ear) or embedded backings (3).

What Are The Symptoms Of Pierced Hole Infection?

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Look out for these early warning signs:

• Chronic redness in the ear: Your baby will have some redness in the region for a few days, but if it continues for weeks, then it could be a symptom of a mild infection.

• Pus or other fluid oozing from the pierced site: Pus is formed due to an acute accumulation of white blood cells. If there is pus, then there is surely an infection. A mild infection may drip a clear, colorless liquid.

• Red blisters: These blisters could be red or maroon in color. They are tender, and your baby may squeal when they are touched, indicating that they are painful.

• Large single blister: If you notice a single large blister close to the pierced hole, then it could be a keloid, an overgrowth of scar tissue. Keloids usually have a tendency to get infected.

• Fever: An infection could manifest through a fever. If your baby develops a fever a few hours or days after ear piercing, then you must take let to the doctor.

Understanding the reasons for infection can help you take precautions to avoid them.

What Causes Pierced Ear Infection?

The pierced hole in the ear is fundamentally a wound, and just like any other wound, it can be prone to infection from a host of bacteria naturally present on the skin or in the air. Several factors that can aggravate the chances of infection:

• Poor maintenance of the pierced area: This includes not swapping the earrings or not cleaning them properly in case you swap them. Infection also happens if you fail to apply the disinfectant.

• Exposing the baby to bacteria: Bacteria is found everywhere from the dust found at home to the park the little one goes to play. If you do not take the necessary measures to prevent exposure, then the piercing may get infected.

• Tight, uncomfortable earrings: Tight earrings press the hole tightly, slowing down the healing process. Also, it restricts air circulation around that area.

• Constant tugging at the ears: If your child tugs the ears, then it can cause an accidental laceration of the piercing, which can get infected.

• Even if all the instructions are followed there is always a risk of infection if the skin is pierced.  Do not postpone getting help if there is infection. Let your healthcare worker assess if you are worried.

Your baby looks beautiful with those pretty earrings and you will not want that beauty to be disturbed by an infection. So, what can you do about it?

Quick tip

After the pierced ears have healed, children should remove their earrings before sleep. Also, before wearing the earrings again, it is a good idea to wipe them with rubbing alcohol (7).

Treatment For Infection

If you suspect an infection, then apply some disinfectant using a cotton swab and take your baby to the doctor. Do not attempt to treat the infection on your own. Certain remedies, such as hot compresses or running saline water on the ear, work for adults but can be harmful to the delicate skin of the baby. You may unintentionally compound the infection. A medical professional is the right person to assess the infection and give the relevant medication. For most mild infections good cleaning and a topical antibiotic ointment will be enough to treat. In some cases, oral antibiotics and/ or other treatments might be needed.

Infographic: General Care For Pierced Ears

Having a pierced ear requires long-term attention and care. It involves occasional cleaning and other protective measures to prevent the piercing from getting infected or pus-filled. So keep this infographic handy and note down the tips to maintain a healthy ear piercing for your baby.

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Illustration: Baby&039s Ear Piercing: Right Age And 9 Things To Know About It

Image: Dall·E/MomJunction Design Team

Delve into the realm of piercing your baby’s ears safely by watching this video, exploring the nuanced realm of risks and benefits associated with this choice.

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Wayne HoughMBChB, MMed, FC Paeds

Dr. Wayne Hough is a pediatrician with around six years of experience in the field. He is currently based in the Northern Suburbs of Cape Town in South Africa. Dr. Hough got his medical degree from the University of Stellenbosch.

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Rohit GarooBSc, MBA

Rohit Garoo is a writer-turned-editor with over 9 years of experience in content writing, editing, and content marketing. He did his bachelors in Science at St. Xavier's College, Hyderabad, and masters in Business Administration at Osmania University.

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Rebecca MalachiBSc

Rebecca is a pregnancy writer and editor with a passion for delivering research-based and engaging content in areas of fertility, pregnancy, birth, and post-pregnancy. She did her graduation in Biotechnology and Genetics from Loyola Academy, Osmania University and obtained a certification in ‘Nutrition and Lifestyle in Pregnancy’ from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU).

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Vidya TadapatriMSc (Biotechnology)

Vidya did her post-graduation in Biotechnology from Osmania University, Hyderabad. Her interest in scientific research and writing made her pursue a career in writing, in which she now has over five years of experience. She has done certified biotechnology-related training programs under renowned organizations such as Centre For Cellular & Molecular Biology and Department of Biotechnology.

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