Infant Ear Piercing: A Milestone to Celebrate with Pigtails & Crewcuts
If you’re contemplating infant ear piercing for your child, you’re not alone. At Pigtails & Crewcuts, we understand that this is a special milestone in your baby’s life. While there are many reasons families choose to have their babies’ ears pierced, there are several factors to consider. From cultural persuasion to the risk of infection, we will cover all the pros and cons to help you decide what is best for your family.
What is Infant Ear Piercing?
Infant ear piercing, or baby ear piercing, is the practice of piercing a child who is under the age of 1. The piercing is typically done in the soft lobe. To prevent the piercings from closing, lobe piercings must be cleaned 2-3 times daily, and an earring must be kept in place 24/7 for a year.
When is the Best Age to Pierce a Baby’s Ears?
Pigtails & Crewcuts follows the guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics, stating that ear piercings for infants are safe as long as it’s performed in a reputable and safe environment, and proper aftercare is performed.
It is recommended to wait until your baby has received their first set of vaccinations, including their first Dtap, which can be administered as early as 2 months of age. There are many benefits to having your baby’s ears pierced while they’re little, including:
Easy healing:
Minimal Discomfort:
Right of passage:
Babies under one year old are less likely to pull on their ears or earrings, making the healing process go smoother.
Any discomfort they experience from the piercing will quickly be forgotten.
Ear piercing is a great way to honor cultural or family traditions.
Preparing for the Procedure
It’s critical to find a location that utilizes best practices and is clean and friendly to pierce your baby’s ears. This will help set you and your baby up for a successful healing journey after the piercing. It’s also important to avoid any jewelry containing nickel – we only use hypoallergenic and nickel-free jewelry for the littlest of ears!
When it comes to having your baby’s ears pierced, timing is key! You want to schedule your appointment for a time that doesn’t interfere with your normal routine. It’s good to bring your baby in when they’re well-fed and rested. Babies like to be soothed by eating after their piercings, so being prepared to feed your baby right away will bring comfort to your little one.
The Piercing Procedure
At Pigtails & Crewcuts, every piercing appointment starts with selecting a beautiful pair of earrings (all of which are hypoallergenic and nickel-free). Then, a State Board Certified Master Cosmetologist will assess your baby’s ears. The front and back of the lobes will be cleaned with an alcohol pad, and then we will place dots on the ears to indicate earring placement. This is the most time-consuming part of the process, as we want to ensure perfect piercing placement. Once the dots are just right, we will pierce. You’ll walk out of the studio with beautiful earrings in your baby’s ears and all the information and aftercare you need to ensure a smooth healing process.
Potential Complications
No matter what age, there is always a risk of infection when it comes to ear piercing. To mitigate this risk, be sure to thoroughly clean your baby’s piercings at least twice a day according to the aftercare instructions provided by your State Board Certified Master Cosmetologist. Watch out for any excessive redness, swelling, fever, or yellow-green discharge, which can indicate that the piercing is infected. If you do suspect an infection, it’s important to have your baby’s pediatrician provide treatment.
Another risk is developing an allergy to nickel or other low-quality metals. Allergies develop as a response to being exposed to an allergen multiple times, making it important always to keep hypoallergenic and nickel-free jewelry in your piercings.
Conclusion
There are many factors to consider when it comes to choosing the right time to have your baby’s ears pierced. For many, having an infant’s ears pierced is a cultural expectation. Other parents/guardians choose to have their baby’s ears pierced because they won’t remember the discomfort. Ultimately, the decision is up to you. At Pigtails & Crewcuts, we would love to share this milestone with you and your little one, ensuring it’s a safe and memorable experience.
