Getting Your Baby’s Ears Pierced: What Parents Should Know

Historians believe ear piercing dates back more than 5,000 years. While it once carried cultural or symbolic meaning, today many parents choose to pierce ears for personal or family reasons.¹ Still, the question of when to pierce a baby’s ears continues to spark debate.

If you’re considering getting your baby’s ears pierced, there’s more to think about than choosing the perfect pair of earrings. Timing, health factors, safety, and proper aftercare all play an important role in ensuring a smooth and positive experience.

When Can Babies Get Their Ears Pierced?

Many parents wonder whether there is a “right” age to pierce a baby’s ears and what medical experts recommend.

Determining the right age for a child to get their ears pierced can be challenging, especially if you’re considering it for your baby or toddler, who can’t express their preference. While some parents and experts suggest waiting until the child can consent, medical experts generally agree that piercing a baby’s ears is safe unless there are health concerns. Some doctors even suggest waiting until your little one has received two tetanus shots, usually around the age of 4 months of age.^2,3

Even with these considerations, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not offer a strict rule on the ideal timing for ear piercings. Although it recommends waiting until a child can manage aftercare independently, it does not discourage baby ear piercings. Notably, the AAP states that ear piercings can be safe at any age, as long as clean, sterile equipment and proper techniques are used.⁴

Regardless of the age you choose for getting your little one’s ears pierced, consulting a trained professional is key. Seek recommendations from trusted friends, family members, or your pediatrician to help find a reputable piercing professional. Doing so can help ensure the experience is as safe, smooth, and positive as possible.

The Ear Piercing Process

Where and how your baby’s ears are pierced can significantly affect safety, comfort, and healing.

If your pediatrician offers ear piercing services, this can be a reassuring option, as the setting is typically sterile and well-regulated. When choosing a jewelry store or tattoo studio, look for a reputable establishment with strong hygiene practices. If you’re unsure about a business’s track record, checking with the Better Business Bureau can help confirm whether there is a history of complaints. While state laws and licensing requirements vary, the person performing the piercing should be properly trained, wear a fresh pair of disposable gloves, and use thoroughly sterilized equipment. If you have any concerns, do not hesitate to ask about their hygiene and safety procedures.

It’s also helpful to understand the piercing method used before your appointment. While piercing guns are common, the Association of Professional Piercers (APP) does not recommend their use due to their non-disposable nature and the difficulty of fully sterilizing all components after each use. In addition, spring-loaded piercing guns can cause unnecessary trauma to cartilage and surrounding tissue.⁵

The APP further notes that although gun piercing shops may provide operator training, it often lacks standardization and may consist of minimal preparation, such as watching videos, reading instructions, or practicing on non-clients. There are also concerns that some establishments do not adequately train employees on managing complications or equipment malfunctions associated with gun piercings.⁵

Safety First

Prioritizing safety helps reduce the risk of infection, injury, and unnecessary discomfort.

Safety measures should be at the top of your list when planning to pierce your baby’s ears. Protecting your baby from potential health complications or exposure to infection is key, which is why it’s important to note that needle piercing performed by an experienced professional is typically safer than gun piercing.⁵

Once you’ve chosen a professional you feel comfortable with, timing also matters. Try to schedule the appointment when your baby is well rested and fed, and avoid bringing an overtired or hungry baby. Be prepared to offer soothing cuddles during and after the piercing. Having a favorite stuffed animal or blanket on hand may also help. A few tears are normal, even though the piercing itself usually takes only seconds.

How Long Do Baby Ear Piercings Take to Heal?

The healing journey for baby ear piercings can vary, influenced by skin sensitivity and individual traits. However, as a general guideline, you can expect your little one to heal in about four to six weeks. Parents and caregivers must follow the proper aftercare instructions provided by the technician to avoid any infections or discomfort. This helps minimize the risk of potential medical complications.⁶

Taking Care of Your Baby’s Ear Piercing

When your baby first gets their ears pierced, leave the earrings in place until the piercings are fully healed, which typically takes about four to six weeks. Removing the earrings too soon can cause the holes to close, meaning your baby would need to go through the piercing process again.

During the healing period, proper aftercare is essential to reduce the risk of infection. Follow the cleaning instructions provided by the piercing professional, which typically include cleaning the ears twice a day.⁷ Once healing is complete, continuing regular cleaning helps maintain overall ear health.⁷

As a general best practice during healing, follow these steps twice a day:⁷

1. Wash your hands thoroughly.
2. Use a cotton swab to apply rubbing alcohol, ear cleaning solution, or antibiotic ointment to the earlobes.
3. Gently rotate the earring in the ear.
4. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly around each opening.

Piercings Are Open Wounds

Remember that newly pierced ears are small open wounds, so extra care is essential. While applying petroleum jelly, the American Academy of Dermatology Association suggests using a squeeze tube to prevent transferring germs from an open jar. Keeping the piercings moisturized with petroleum jelly aids in faster healing.⁸

Be cautious during clothing changes or hair brushing, and avoid contact with hairspray, shampoo, or perfumes to prevent irritation. If possible, avoid exposing your baby to swimming in pools, hot tubs, lakes, or oceans while their piercings are healing, as this may increase the risk of infection.⁹

After your baby’s ears have healed, it’s a good idea to remove the earrings every night before bedtime. If your baby’s earlobes are swollen, red, warm, or oozing a yellow-white fluid called pus, they may have an infection. In such cases, contact your pediatrician to avoid potential complications. Remember, infections can spread and even lead to fever if left untreated. If an infection arises, take a deep breath — with quick medical attention, regular cleaning, and antibacterial ointment, piercing infections can heal swiftly.¹⁰

What’s the Best Material for Starter Earrings?

Choosing the right material for your baby’s earrings is parental preference and your child’s comfort. However, certain metal alloys have earned approval for medical use, with specific designations determined by esteemed standards like the American Society for Testing and Materials Standard (ASTM) or the International Standards Organization (ISO), notes the APP.¹¹

Meanwhile, historical materials like gold and obsidian have been popular piercing options for centuries. Opting for gold starter earrings, unless your baby has a gold allergy, can reduce the risk of infections and swelling due to their posts. The APP also endorses titanium, niobium, and platinum as safe earring materials.¹¹

When it comes to choosing infant or toddler earrings, the design options are vast and creative. However, experts advise opting for flat studs situated close to the earlobe. Consider everything your baby might inadvertently pull on with her ninja grip, from tempting iPhone cords to mom’s delicate postpartum hair. The last thing you want is an emergency trip to the doctor because your mini-Hulk used her super-strength to rip out her new jewelry.²

As you venture into selecting your baby’s starter earrings, remember to keep three factors in mind:⁷

• Material: Opt for hypoallergenic options to minimize the risk of irritation.
• Size: Opt for petite and lightweight earrings for added comfort.
• Design: Prioritize earrings with screw-backs for added security and peace of mind.

A Glittering Start for Your Little One

If you thought piercing your baby’s ears was as simple as a quick trip to the mall, you now know there are several important factors to consider.

No matter when or how you choose to pierce your baby’s ears, using trusted professionals, safe materials, and proper aftercare can help ensure a positive and safe experience for your family.