Should You Pierce Your Baby's Ears?

Doctors Say Wait

Really want to see your baby girl's ears sparkle? Hold on, says the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). They advise parents to wait until their child is old enough not only to care for the piercing herself but also until the risks of infection and accidentally swallowing the tiny earrings are much lower. (Unsurprisingly, earrings are also a top item docs remove from kids' ears.)

Shoot for Two Months

If you absolutely must pierce your baby's ears, wait until two weeks until after your child's first tetanus shot at two months, says the AAP.

Find a Qualified Professional

Once you've waited the requisite time, try to find an experienced piercer who uses sterile equipment and, if possible, has experience piercing baby earlobes, says the AAP.

Of course, check with your pediatrician first: He or she may actually provide this service themselves or might be able to direct you to someone they feel is careful and trustworthy. (Some doctors, however, feel adamantly about not piercing until a child is older.

Care for Pierced Ears

During the piercing

Use these tips from the AAP to keep your child's ears healthy during the procedure:

• Rubbing alcohol or other disinfectants should be used to minimize the chances of an infection.
• At the time of the piercing, a round, gold-post earring should be inserted; in fact, some piercing instruments themselves can put the gold posts in place at the same time. (The gold in the posts will reduce the risk of an allergic reaction and inflammation in the area.)
  

  Care for Pierced Ears

  After the piercing

  Once back at home, use these tips to cut down the chances of infection and hasten the healing process.
• Apply rubbing alcohol or an antibiotic ointment to the area two times a day for a few days.
• Do not remove the earrings for four to six weeks.
• Gently rotate the earrings each day.
• If the area of piercing becomes red or tender, an infection may be developing; seek medical attention promptly.

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