Ear piercing is a popular practice for both adults and children. It has been around for thousands of years in many different cultures and can be used to express personal style or simply serve as an attractive adornment. However, when it comes to kids, it's important to understand the risks associated with getting their ears pierced so that you can make an informed decision about children's ear piercing and ensure that it’s done safely and correctly. Here is a guide on best practices for your child's ear piercings dealing with the healing process.
What Are Ear Piercings?
Ear piercings involve making a hole in the earlobe or cartilage of the ear so that an object, such as jewellery, can be inserted. The most common type of ear piercing is called a lobe piercing because it involves putting a hole in the lower part of the earlobe.
Different Types of Piercings You Can Get On Your Ears
Cartilage piercings involve puncturing the upper part of the ear and can include piercings such as tragus, daith, rook, helix and conch. Avoid cartilage piercing for infants and babies because they have soft and delicate ears and need time to fully grow.
Are Ear Piercings Safe for Kids?
Ear piercings are generally safe for kids as long as the procedure is done by a professional using sterile equipment. However, there are some risks associated with getting an ear piercing in children that you should be aware of before deciding to proceed.
Are Ear Piercings Safe for Kids?
Ear piercings are generally safe for kids as long as the procedure is done by a professional using sterile equipment. However, there are some risks associated with getting an ear piercing in children that you should be aware of before deciding to proceed.
Children's Ear Piercing: What You Need to Know
Before you decide to have your child's ears pierced, it's important to take the time to research the procedure and learn about any potential risks. Here are some key points to consider when planning for children's ear piercings:
Risks of Ear Piercing for Kids
Health Risks - Ear piercing carries some health risks, such as infection or allergic reactions. It is important to find out if your child is allergic to any of the materials used in body piercing, such as metals or jewellery. Make sure that the piercer you choose is using sterile equipment and has experience performing ear piercings on children.
Some risks of ear piercing for kids include:
- Bleeding
- Allergies
- Tearing
- Embedded backings
- Infection
What Is the Best Age to Pierce Your Child's Ears?
Age - It's generally recommended that children be at least 4 years old before having their ears pierced. This gives them time to become more comfortable with the idea of a piercing and allows them to be better able to care for the site afterwards.
Having said this some parents choose to pierce their baby's ears which is perfectly okay as long as the piercer is experienced and they use the right equipment for piercing a baby's ear.
Why a Pediatrician Should Pierce Kids' Ears
It is important when deciding to have your child's ears pierced that you find a qualified piercer. A paediatrics office or certified paediatrician can help ensure that the procedure is done safely and with minimal risk.
Additionally, an experienced paediatrician can explain the entire process to both you and your child and answer any questions that they may have before the piercing takes place.
Where Can—and Should—You Get Your Child's Ears Pierced?
When it comes to deciding where to have your child's ears pierced, safety should always be the main priority. You must choose a licensed piercer with experience in ear piercing for kids and use sterile equipment such as piercing guns.
It is best to have your child's ear pierced using a piercing gun as earrings done with this method are easier to clean and maintain. It is also important to make sure that the piercer uses hypoallergenic jewellery, such as titanium, surgical steel or gold-filled studs.
Baby Ear Piercing: When and Where Babies Can Get Their Ears Pierced
A baby's ear piercing should ideally be done at least 6 weeks after they have been born. This is to ensure that the ear has developed enough and to reduce the risk of infection.
It is also important to ensure that the piercer you choose uses safe equipment specifically designed for babies' ears. Visit a paediatrician or certified piercer with experience in baby ear piercing to have the procedure done.
Read this: Claires Ear Piercing: Everything You Need To Know for information about ear piercing at Claires jewelry store.
Piercing Your Baby's Ears Right After Leaving the Hospital
I recently read an article about a mother who pierced her baby's ears two days after the baby was born. This is not recommended as the baby's ear has not fully developed and most piercers will not do this procedure until at least six weeks after the birth of the baby.
Is There a Minimum Age for Baby Ear Piercing?
Yes, it is recommended that babies be at least 6 weeks old before getting their ears pierced. This allows the ear to develop enough so that when the piercing occurs, there is less risk for infection or other complications.
Piercing your baby's ear is a personal decision and can be done safely if the right precautions are taken. However, if you are going to do this you need to be sensible and look at best practices including how to numb ears before piercing, pain management and aftercare.
How to Numb Ear for Piercing
If you do decide to pierce your baby's ear, it is recommended that you use a topical anaesthetic cream or solution on the ear lobes. This can help reduce the pain and discomfort during the piercing process.
It is important to ensure that the cream or solution does not contain any ingredients which could be dangerous for a baby. Also, make sure to follow all instructions for how to numb the ear for piercing and ask your piercer if you are unsure.
Aftercare for Baby Ear Piercing
Once the piercing has been done, it is important to look after the area. Ear piercing aftercare includes cleaning the site twice a day with an antiseptic solution or salt water and ensuring that no jewellery comes into contact with other body parts or surfaces.
Aftercare for Kids' Ear Piercing
Whether you pierce your baby's ear or a child's ear, be sure to take extra precautions when caring for a child's pierced ears.
Here Are Some Tips for Taking Care of Your New Piercings:
- Cleaning the piercing area twice a day with an antiseptic solution.
- Making sure jewellery does not come into contact with other body parts or surfaces.
- Avoid pulling on the jewellery or playing with it too much.
- Replacing earrings regularly to reduce the risk of infection.
- Allowing time for healing after each piercing before getting another one done.
- Be careful not to catch the earrings when brushing hair.
- Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs and other activities that can increase the risk of infection after doing children's piercings.
What to Do if Your Piercings Get Infected?
If your child's piercings become infected, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, pain and discharge from the piercing site.
A doctor can prescribe antibiotics or other medications to help treat the infection and reduce any further complications. It is also important to avoid touching or playing with the piercing until it has healed.
How Will You Know if an Earring Gets Infected?
If an earring gets infected, you may notice redness, swelling, tenderness and discharge from the piercing site. If these symptoms are present or if the area is hot to touch it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
A doctor will be able to diagnose whether your child's piercing has become infected and provide treatment accordingly.
When My Child's Ear Got Infected
The first time my daughter had her ears pierced she was around 8 years old. Sadly the earring became infected and we had to take her to A and E to have the infection treated and the earring removed.
The hospital prescribed antibiotics to help clear up the infection and I made sure to take extra care of my daughter's ears after this incident. Whilst this is not something we expected to happen, infection did take place and it is important to be aware of the risks that can happen when piercing your child's ear.
You need to ensure you care for the ear as if it was your own as a child or baby cannot take care of themselves. Taking care of your baby's ears should always be a priority no matter what age they are.
Best Type of Earrings to Wear After Your Piercings Have Healed
Once your child's piercings have healed it is important to think carefully about what type of earrings they will wear. It is best to use hypoallergenic earrings, such as titanium or gold-filled studs, as these are less likely to cause an allergic reaction.
Avoid dangling earrings when choosing piercing earrings for your child.
How Long Should You Keep Earrings in Newly Pierced Ears?
It is recommended that earrings stay in newly pierced ears for at least 6 weeks as this allows enough time for the piercing to heal. After this period, it is fine to change out the earrings or take them out completely.
When Can You Take Earrings Out?
You can take earrings out after the piercing has healed but it is important to ensure that you clean and care for the area before doing so. Leaving the earring in for 6-8 weeks will help reduce the risk of infection and allow the piercing to heal properly.
Child's Ear Piercing: Do It Right First Time
Ear piercing is a personal decision and each parent will decide if it is right for their child. If you do choose to have your child's ears pierced, make sure that you take the necessary precautions and follow best practices so that your child's ear-piercing experience is as safe and healthy as possible.
This is a really helpful guide. Thankyou for sharing this.