Getting your child's ears pierced is an exciting rite of passage, but it's important to ensure that the process is safe, hygienic, and as painless as possible. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide for piercing your child's ears, including how to choose safe and kid-friendly jewelry.
When is the right age for ear piercing?
Ultimately this decision is up to the parent. Some parents choose to get their child’s ears pierced during infancy when they're less able to localize pain, while others choose to get their child’s ears pierced when they're mature enough to handle the after care of their newly pierced ears. Ear piercing is no more harmful to babies than it is to older kids; complications associated with ear piercing can occur at all ages. So as long as you take proper precautions, you can get your child’s ears pierced at as young as 3 months old.
Most pediatricians recommend waiting until your baby is at least 3 months old, when they’re up to date on their vaccinations, including their tetanus shot. Although getting a tetanus infection is rare and the risk associated with getting tetanus from an ear piercing is extremely small, it is still important to keep proactive when it comes to your baby.
Every baby and child is unique. When getting your child’s ears pierced, please consult with your doctor or pediatrician.
Where to get your child's ears pierced?
The safest and most hygienic place to get your child's ears pierced is at a professional piercing studio or jewelry store. Be sure to choose a reputable business with a good reputation, and avoid getting your child's ears pierced at a mall or flea market where hygiene standards may not be up to par.
How to prepare your child for ear piercing?
Before getting your child's ears pierced, it's important to prepare them for the process. Let them know what to expect, and be honest about any potential pain or discomfort. You can also explain the aftercare process and what they need to do to keep their ears healthy and prevent infection.
Choosing safe and kid-friendly jewelry
Once your child's ears are pierced, it's important to choose the right jewelry to prevent any potential health problems. Here are a few tips for choosing safe and kid-friendly jewelry:
- Choose hypoallergenic materials. Look for jewelry made from hypoallergenic materials such as surgical-grade stainless steel, titanium, sterling silver, or 24k gold. These materials are less likely to cause skin irritation or infection.
- Avoid cheap, low-quality jewelry. Cheap, low-quality jewelry can contain lead and other toxic substances that can harm your child's skin. Be sure to choose jewelry made from high-quality materials to ensure that your child's ears remain healthy and free from infection.
- Avoid jewelry that dangles. Dangling jewelry can get caught on clothes and bedding, which can lead to injury and infection. Dangling earrings can also be worrisome if your child is young and likely to pull them out.
- Choose jewelry with rounded edges. Look for jewelry with rounded edges to prevent skin irritation or injury. Avoid sharp or pointed jewelry that could accidentally scratch or poke your child's skin.
- Select jewelry in the right size. Choose jewelry that fits comfortably in your child's ears without being too tight or too loose. This will prevent skin irritation or injury, and help ensure that the jewelry stays securely in place.
Taking care of your child's newly pierced ears
- Keep the earrings in for at least 6 weeks. Don’t change or remove your child’s new earrings from their newly pierced ears for the first six weeks. This will allow the piercings to properly heal.
- Clean the earrings regularly. Clean the earrings and surrounding skin with an alcohol-free solution or saline solution to prevent infection.
- Avoid touching the earrings. Encourage your child to avoid touching the earrings or rotating them, as this can increase the risk of infection.
- Keep the ears dry. Avoid getting water in your child's ears for the first few weeks after piercing. This will help prevent infection and promote healing.
- Avoid sleeping on the piercing. Encourage your child to sleep on their back to prevent accidental pressure on the earring and prevent infection.
With these tips in mind, you can make your child’s first piercing experience a breeze! Checkout some of our pieces that we think would make for great
