Some parents want to pierce their child’s ears when they are still babies. But is it a good or bad idea?
Whether by simple desire or by tradition, pierced ears have gone through the ages and belong to many cultures. Indeed, it would seem that the oldest identified earrings date from the 3rd millennium BC, but it is obvious that men and women adorned their ears with shells, bones or polished pebbles many centuries earlier. Today, earrings are attached to the lobe when it is pierced either by a simple hook or by a small rod screwed behind the ear.
You are parents and you want to adorn the lobes of your new wonder with pretty earrings. In some families, their child’s ears are pierced when he is only a few weeks old. In others, we rather wait for the child to make the wish. But before resorting to this not-so-trivial act, you have to ask yourself the right questions. At what age can I pierce my child’s ears? How to choose where to do it? What are the risks ? We enlighten you on the subject.
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At what age should my child’s ears be pierced?
Regarding the minimum age for having a child’s ears pierced, there is no legislation. However, health professionals advise waiting at least 2 years and only drill once the main vaccines performed.
Ear piercing in babies: what are the risks?
The main risks are the infection and swallowing. A baby begins to explore his body around the age of 4-5 months. He will then begin to touch his ears, to play with them, to grab them… He risks tearing off his earrings, hurting himself, putting them in his mouth, ingesting them, or even causing an infection.
The risk of contact eczema to matter may as well be present. In this case, a superinfection can take place with a staphylococcus, or something else, but it remains relatively rare. Still, it’s best to wait until your child grows up before piercing their ears.
Also, remember to take into account the pain that piercing can cause your child, whose ears are very sensitive at this age.
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Where to get your child’s ears pierced?
Although jewelers are often the first choice of parents, piercing parlors have more suitable equipment. The hygiene of the place must be irreproachable. The piercing must be done in a separate room of the shop in order to limit the risk of infection as much as possible. The material used must come from in sterile packaging and must be used for the first time. The area to be drilled should also be disinfected beforehand.
Caring for and monitoring your child’s ears when they have been pierced
The ear and more particularly the lobe are places where many small blood vessels pass. It is therefore important to disinfect conscientiously the wound, with antiseptic the first days then by washing with soap when small crusts form. During the first two weeks, stay vigilant and watch the general appearance to be sure there is no infection (swelling, excessive redness, discharge, etc.).
If in doubt, do not hesitate to consult a doctor.
Finally, piercing your baby’s ears when he is still very young can expose him to risks of degradation for his health. And then, why not let him decide for himself when he’s older?