Every milestone in your child’s life, whether big or small, is meaningful. From saying their first words to making the first step to starting school, there is a reason for parents to celebrate. This also includes getting your child’s ears pierced.
Ear piercing is a common practice influenced by cultural traditions and personal preferences. Getting their child’s ears pierced is a big deal for some parents.
However, parents should be well-informed about the procedure, potential risks, and aftercare to ensure a safe experience for their child.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about ear piercing for kids, including tips for selecting a reputable studio, understanding the risks involved, and making your child feel comfortable every step of the way.
When to consider ear piercing
Many parents wonder about the ideal time to have their child’s ears pierced. Generally, the decision to get an ear piercing for children varies greatly across families and cultures.
Some cultures opt to pierce a child’s ears shortly after birth, viewing it as a tradition or rite of passage, while others prefer to wait until the child is older and can express their own preference.
Experts suggest that ear piercing poses minimal health risks at any age if performed in a safe, sterile environment and followed by proper aftercare. However, many recommend waiting until a child is old enough to manage aftercare on their own.
Choose a safe environment for the procedure
When you think it’s time to get your child’s ears pierced, it’s crucial to choose a reputable location for ear piercing. Make sure you choose a professional to do your kids’ ear piercings. For instance, many pediatricians offer ear piercing services in a sterile environment, ensuring safety and hygiene.
However, if you choose a jewelry store for ear piercing, ensure that the staff are properly trained and adhere to strict hygiene standards, using sterilized equipment. It’s advisable to avoid establishments that use piercing guns, as these can cause more tissue damage compared to the precision of a sterile needle. Getting kids ear piercing with a needle is a much better experience as it’s more sterile, safer, and less painful.
What is the best metal for children’s earrings?
While sparkly earrings might be tempting, it’s best to choose stainless steel earrings and posts for newly pierced ears. Stainless steel is hypoallergenic and free from nickel and alloys that could trigger allergic reactions. Nickel and cobalt allergies are common, so it’s crucial to avoid earrings containing these metals.
Other safe options for initial earrings include platinum, titanium, and 14-karat gold. Always verify the materials of the earrings before purchase to ensure they won’t cause discomfort or irritation for your child. This precaution helps make the transition to wearing earrings more comfortable and safe.
Aftercare guidelines
Proper aftercare is essential to prevent infections and complications. That’s why you should make sure that your child doesn’t touch or play with new earrings. Clean the area using soap and warm water or by applying alcohol or saline solution with a cotton swab. This will prevent infection.
Additionally, keep earrings in place for at least six to eight weeks before changing them. In the meantime, you can push and pull the earring front and back to maintain the shape of the pierced hole.
What to do in case of an infection?
Infections can happen more often than not. That’s why it’s crucial to keep an eye out for any signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or pus.
It’s normal for your child’s ear to be slightly red and swollen for a few days after getting a piercing. However, if the redness and swelling persist, the ear feels itchy, or there is discharge present, these may be signs of an infection. If these occur, consult a pediatrician immediately.
In some cases, the pediatrician may advise removing the piercing. While this may be disappointing, ensuring the health and well-being of your child is the top priority. It’s important to follow medical guidance to avoid complications.
Make the whole process easier for your child
As a parent, you can make sure that the whole process goes smoothly and safely. For instance, you can make sure your child is up to date on their vaccinations, especially the tetanus vaccine. Then, you can ensure your child does not have any allergies, and confirm that the facility uses hypoallergenic materials.
Thoroughly research and choose a reputable piercer who uses safe, sterile equipment. If your child is old enough to understand, inform them that there may be some discomfort during the procedure.
Conclusion
We hope this article informs you about everything you need to know about getting your child’s ears pierced. When done safely, ear piercing can be a meaningful rite of passage both for children and their parents.
