What do you think of getting babies ears pierced?

Jill - posted on 03/03/2009

We did my daughter's ears at 10 weeks old because she had not yet figured out how to grab her ear when it hurt. I didn't want to wait until she was older and she would realize there was something there and pull at it. She has never touched them to this day and cleaning and maintaining them was a breeze!! But 9 months is alot older and your daughter will know how to grab at her ear so that might be the only downside. Good luck either way!!

Teena - posted on 03/03/2009

I got both of my daughters ears pierced when they were 3 months. They are 2 and almost 4 now, have never had any problems with them, and even know how to take care of them also. Having them done that young, almost makes them a part of their body I think. I clean their ears brush their teeth and brush their hair every day, and it has never bothered them. My niece however chose to get her ears pierced when she was 5, and has had to have them redone three times in the past year, because she messes with them and takes them out all the time. I think if my daughters get older and decide they don't want to have them anymore, they can take them out and let them close. I would rather do it that way instead of it being a bad experience of infections and things when they are older.

Maria - posted on 03/03/2009

My daughter was almost 2 month's when I got her ears pierced and it was easy and convenient because my daughter only cried at the moment of piercing and forgot all about it in a few seconds. I cleaned the piercing 3 times a day with alcohol and had no problem at all. Its always better to get their ears pierced when they are younger because they way I see it now, my baby dosen't even know she's waring earring and won't tug at them. Good luck.

Amanda - posted on 03/03/2009

My mom told me when I turned 10 years old I could get my ears and I was sooo excited, I would like to give my daughter the same experience. On the other hand, it's done and it looks cute!! It won't do them harm. It might be more work for you, to keep them clean and stuff. If you do decide to pierce, I suggest a piercing (and tattoo) palour. Find one with TWO people. They use needles instead of smashing through the ear with a thick stem, the hole heals cleaner and faster, probably less painful ,too. :) Good luck!

Davon - posted on 03/03/2009

Earrings are usually lost at this age as girls like to feel their ears because they know they have on earrings.  A few things to consider, allergies, if any, and the maintenance (i.e. you have to use the cleaner and turn them daily etc.)  There isn't any ongoing pain if maintained properly outside of the quick pinch when its done. 

The only other thing i would be concerned about is being able to differentiate between an ear infection and her earrings bothering her.  (I.e.) - some girls can only wear precious metals and not surgical steel or non precious metals...  Some things to consider.

Solent - posted on 03/03/2009

id not do it yes they look cute but still to young.my little one is 3 and 11 mnth and still to this day i will not do it. when she is old enough and understands then i will allow her to have it done . and nt only that it could cause infections , i think its best left for a bit longer :-)

Rose - posted on 03/03/2009

I had both of my daughters ears pierced before they were 1 yr old & like many other moms have said, they cried more for thir shots than they did for the piercing process. Plus, they never played around with the earrings once they were in. As for what some moms have said about it being the "individuals" choice...well, if there were life-changing ramifications I could see the conroversy, but there aren't. And if your child chooses that she does not want to have pierced ears after she gets older, she can simply choose to not put earrings in and normally the holes will grow closed on their own. This is what my older daughter has done on several occasions....several because she will then decide that she does want them pierced so we'll pierce them again...etc, etc. As a matter offact, she was 10 days old when we got her ears pierced.

Skylur - posted on 03/03/2009

This whole disscusion is getting a little out of hand. It really is a personal choice weather you do or don't get your daughters ears pierced. I got my daughters ears pierce when she was 3 months old. I personaly didn't think there was any thing wrong with it. I know there's going to be times in her life when she isn't going to like me very much but I don't think me getting her ears pierced at a young age is going to be one of those. Listen to your heart and if it's something you think you should get done than you should do it and if you don't than don't do it. Either way it's still your choice. I've never heard of a person being scared for life because their mother got their ears pierced when they were babies. Just remember that your her mother and you love her and that's all that matters.

Kristin - posted on 03/03/2009

I got my daughters done when she was 9 months old....It turned out good she wont remember it and she never played with them....She also doesn't mind us changing them either..

Kirsten - posted on 03/03/2009

Personally, I think it's way too soon to be giving a baby jewelry.  Especially if pain is involved.  I had my ears pierced when I was 5.  I asked to have it done and was very proud of myself for withstanding the pain.  I also felt very adult since my parents let me make this decision.

Kimberly - posted on 03/03/2009

I had my daughters ears pierced at 6 months, she is four now and loves the fact that she has earrings she loves jewelry and since neclaces make me nervous cuz I don't like things around her neck. The earrings are great and she gets to wear jewelry without me worrying about it.

Tonya - posted on 03/03/2009

I don't think you should. I think that is a monumental thing in a little girls life. I have two girls that wanted their ears pierced and it was a great memory for all of us when they wanted to get it done and make that decision themselves. It made them feel like they were growing up and getting to have a choice in their life even though they were just kids.

Tonya - posted on 03/03/2009

I don't think you should. I think that is a monumental thing in a little girls life. I have two girls that wanted their ears pierced and it was a great memory for all of us when they wanted to get it done and make that decision themselves. It made them feel like they were growing up and getting to have a choice in their life even though they were just kids.

Myra - posted on 03/03/2009

I pierced my daughter's ears when she was 4 months.  The only reason she cried was because you had to hold her head still and her hands down.  Other than that she stopped crying immediately.  I went somewhere they peirced babies all the time and some pediatricians pierce ears too.

Phyllis - posted on 03/03/2009

I had my daughter's ears pierced by her pediatrician when she was 6 months old. She's an adult now. :o) He numbed her ears with some type of spray and he pierced them with gold studs that locked in place. There were no problems at all. I kept her ears clean and she was too young to know the earrings were there (to tug at them or play with them).

Dorothy - posted on 03/03/2009

Quoting Amber:

What do you think of getting babies ears pierced?

My daughter is 9months old and my boyfriend wants to get her ears pierced. I am on the fence I dont know... I think it would be cute but I dont want them to hurt really bad get infected or not be inline... What is your opinion? What were your experiences?

          When I was little my mother got my ears pierced. I was going on 2 yrs. old and she had to keep yelling at me cause I wouldnt leave them alone. So when I went to sleep the earing got caught on a blanket and ripped my ear. I had a ripped ear since I was in 10th grade going through school was a joke...Everyone making fun of me on my parents bad discion to get my ears peirced when I was little.  The doctors couldnt fixed till I got a little older because my ears werent done growing yet I guess thats what they said. Anyways I have a daughter right now I not getting her ears done until she probably in third or fourth grade cause I know she will know how to take care of them.

Lindsay - posted on 03/03/2009

I had my daughter's ears pierced when she was a month old.  I used the anticeptic that they provided as directed and never had a problem.  She is so used to them now, that at two years old, she never messes with them and loves having them just like mommy.  I wanted to get them done when she was really little so that she wouldn't be scared and that she would never remember.

Sanita - posted on 03/03/2009

I got my daughters pierced at 2 months old and I have had no issues with them but I agree, its totally up to you.

Gena - posted on 03/03/2009

My daughter got her ears pierced at 6 months and she cried a little and then got over it.  She is now 6 years old.  The only problem we had was about a year ago the back of the earing got pushed tight and she didn't realize what was going on because she's always had them in.  When I finally figured it out the ear had ripped and we cleaned it and it healed back up but her hole is bigger now.  My advise is if you're going to get them done early it's okay as long as you keep a close eye on them.  As I said she had no problems but when one did come up she didn't realize what was going on.  Good luck.

Heather - posted on 03/03/2009

I got my little girls ears pierced when she was 3 months old. She did not feel a thing. I have heard that at that age they do not have feeling in their ears. She has been really good and not bothered them. I would give some advice though get earrings for sensitive ears, because you never know. Keep them clean and they might not get infected. I would also find somewhere that could do both at one time. Good Luck!!

Karen - posted on 03/03/2009

I'm afraid I'm with Malinda. I really don't understand the earrings on babies. I'm not in favor of cosmetic alterations of babies, either. It should be their choice.

Alison - posted on 03/03/2009

My Mom got my ears pierced when I was around 2 or less and I don't remember feeling the pain or anything. I do have a vague memory of the event. I was glad my Mom got mine done so young as I got older and started seeing teenage friends grappling with the decision and the potential pain of it. My daughter, now 4, I got her ears pierced about a month before she turned 3. The positive is that she sort of had an idea (seeing my earrings) but couldn't quite understand what was actually involved. It was so fast and by the time she registered what happened it was all over and she didn't even cry. She had a moment of shock but then they gave her a lollipop and she was great. However, she's been having repeated infections on one earlobe starting about 6 mos after the initial ear pierce. We keep trying new earrings, different styles, with higher gold content to stem the infection but so far nothing is working. I guess I need to keep cleaning it with the solution on a regular basis for a while. Despite the infections I'm still glad that I got her ears pierced this young though.

Wendy - posted on 03/03/2009

Quoting Amber:

What do you think of getting babies ears pierced?

My daughter is 9months old and my boyfriend wants to get her ears pierced. I am on the fence I dont know... I think it would be cute but I dont want them to hurt really bad get infected or not be inline... What is your opinion? What were your experiences?

we did it to my daughter joslyn at six mo and I think Icried harder then she did I think it is good to do it now then if she decides she dosent like them then she doesent have to wear them

Laura - posted on 03/03/2009

Is your baby a doll all of a sudden? Why not wait until your daughter asks to get them done? Then she can take responsibility of her ears, and feel like a grown up.

Sherri - posted on 03/03/2009

Emma is 51/2 months old and we just got her ears  pierced the other day. She cried but not much and they do not bother her at all. Slept well and she does not bother them at all.

Jenn - posted on 03/03/2009

With two daughters, I found that when I had it done at 6 mo. for one, she never messed with them, it was like part of her. With my second daughter, I had her ears pierced at 5 yrs old, she constantly messed with her earrings and lost them over and over. The twinge of pain from getting them done at the earlier age was very short and she actually only cried with the second ear. My second daughter was tender for almost a week. I hope this helps!

Melissa - posted on 03/03/2009

Hi, The only advise I can give you is; get it done by a doctor and not in jewlery.

Its the same price but better quality or earing and better experience with Babies.

Kim - posted on 03/03/2009

I have two daughters and both of them have had their ears pierced since they got their first shots and we have had no issues. It is very cute! Good Luck

Donnie - posted on 03/03/2009

Remember, you are the sole person responsible for cleaning her ears. If you do what they tell you to do, her ears will not get infected. And as far as pulling them off, those posts are very, very tight. Her little fingers will not be able to get them off. I think when there is infection involved, it's because people do not follow directions. Do pay attention to the type of earrings you buy for her first set. Don't go cheap. She may have an allergy to nickel. Worse case scenario, you take the earrings out and the holes close and you make the decision to do it again when she's older. There's no real danger. I think some doctor's offices will even do the piercing. Good luck!

Donnie - posted on 03/03/2009

It's no big deal. My daughter was 3 1/2 months and yes, she cried but then it was over. Make sure you go where they can pierce both ears at the same time--I didn't think of that one at the time. I have six kids, 5 boys and then came my daughter. I wanted to make sure everyone knew she was a girl. :) Be sure that her bedding/blankets do not have anything that can snag the earrings. I had to learn that one too. Go for it--she'll be even more beautiful.

Joanne - posted on 03/03/2009

Honestly = let them grow up and make that decision themselves...

Robin - posted on 03/03/2009

Having a baby's ears pierced is cute, but they is so many things that could go wrong. First of all, infection. It happens when adults get ears pierced, it could happen with a baby. Second, what if the baby pulled the earring out and put it in their mouth. Babies do put alot of stuff in their mouth. Third, don't ya think this outta be a personal decision for when she is older? Just a few of my thoughts and concerns. Good Luck

Jerize - posted on 03/03/2009

I had my daughter ear pierced when she is 2 month old.  It turned out fine.  She is now 7 years old.

Jerize - posted on 03/03/2009

I had my daughter ear pierced when she is 2 month old.  It turned out fine.  She is now 7 years old.

Cassandra - posted on 03/03/2009

I myself just had another daughter in January 2009 and this has been an issue with my fiance already. I had my other daughter's ears pierced at 6months of age and I can tell you that both of them made a "pouty" face when the ears were actually pierced, but neither of them actually cried. It is done so quickly that they don't even have time. Just make sure that when you have it done there are 2 people there and that they pierce them at the same time...I think it is much easier this way because if they do one and she becomes upset they won't be able to do the other ear.

I want to get my newest daughter's ears pierced as well, but my fiance doesn't want me to. He believes that it should be her choice when she is older....I think I will still get it done! lol If she doesn't want them when older she can let the holes close!

Raychel - posted on 03/03/2009

hello amber,all 3 of my daughters have had their ears pierced,my eldest now 15 had hers done at for her 1st birthday, i admit i was scared to take her in so got my sister to.

my second daughter now 11yrs had hers done at 4mths old & now wants to have a second set in & my third now 4& half had hers at 7mths at (claires, hair & accessorys) they r really good they do both ears at same time, u get aftercare sheet & lotion,& have to return within 6wks so they can change the backs of the earrings & check ears are ok.

yes all mine cried but they soon forget the esp if u have them done under a yr old! i love to see little girls with earrings in,me & my husband wanted ours to have them pierced but if you really not that keen then dont have them done,she can always have them done later when she's old enough to make her own mind up!

Angela - posted on 03/03/2009

My eldest two daughters had theirs done when they were babies but my thirteen year old couldn't get them done anywhere when she was a baby as all the regulations seem to have changed regarding piercing babies ears.My eldest two had no problems at all, they didn't mess about with them or get any infections or anything. Hope this helps.

Kelly - posted on 03/03/2009

i once took a nice to get her ears pierced she was three and they refused, and said she wasnt old enough to make the decision her self becouse she has to live with it the rest of her life, of cause i dont agree not with girls any way most of them will get it done eventually anyway, so the sooner the better.

Amanda - posted on 03/03/2009

I had my daughters ears done at 2 months old and she was a little angel one very short cry and she was straight off to sleep. I have to agree with the idea the earlier the better as they cant play with them so they dont get infected. be very picky with the person that does the piercing as i encounted one that was against piercing babies (each to your own opinion but at the end of the day she is your daughter and not theirs) and also check where they put the dots before they pierce also if you can find a place where they pierce both ears at the same time and have someone else with you ie your boyfriend to help keep her still to aviod movement

Amanda - posted on 03/03/2009

I had my daughters ears done at 2 months old and she was a little angel one very short cry and she was straight off to sleep. I have to agree with the idea the earlier the better as they cant play with them so they dont get infected. be very picky with the person that does the piercing as i encounted one that was against piercing babies (each to your own opinion but at the end of the day she is your daughter and not theirs) and also check where they put the dots before they pierce also if you can find a place where they pierce both ears at the same time and have someone else with you ie your boyfriend to help keep her still to aviod movement

Vanessa - posted on 03/03/2009

how's your daughter? did she get her ear pierced already? I got my daughter chloe's ear pierced when she was 2weeks old. My pediatrician did it. she also said its better to have an infants ear pierced earlier because they still dont scratch their earlobes yet. Her advice was to dab a cotton bud with alcohol around the area everyday and turn the earrings but never take them off. it didnt get infected at all. Baby girls look really cute with their earrings on.

Tonya - posted on 03/02/2009

You really just have to follow your heart on this one. I don't think that there is anything to be worried about when it comes to piercing at a young age. Many people do it. The fact is that all little ones are going to cry when it happeneds, but a lot of moms like to do it when they are too young to remember the pain. She will be fine if you decide to do it now. But, if you are too worried, you should just wait until you are ready.

Jessica - posted on 03/02/2009

I'm on the fence on this same issue so I'm really glad you asked it!

Kathy - posted on 03/02/2009

It isn't something I did with my 3 daughters until they were old enought to decide that they wanted it done. It is a permanent change to their bodies that they should have some say so over, but I have no issue with mom's that decide to go ahead with their own babies.

Preshnee - posted on 03/02/2009

Quoting Amber:

What do you think of getting babies ears pierced?

My daughter is 9months old and my boyfriend wants to get her ears pierced. I am on the fence I dont know... I think it would be cute but I dont want them to hurt really bad get infected or not be inline... What is your opinion? What were your experiences?

Hi i think it would be fine as long as it is done by professional and its taken care of. I think its better when its done ata young age

Nahwaal - posted on 03/02/2009

Quoting Amber:

What do you think of getting babies ears pierced?

My daughter is 9months old and my boyfriend wants to get her ears pierced. I am on the fence I dont know... I think it would be cute but I dont want them to hurt really bad get infected or not be inline... What is your opinion? What were your experiences?

hi.  i had my daughters ears pierced when she was 4 months old.  i dont think its painfull coz she  didnt even cry.  its really up to you.  i also think that its better to have it done when they are still small. 

Tracy - posted on 03/02/2009

Don't do it Amber.  Wait until she is a little older like 4 or 5 years old.  I don't think earrings look cute on babies in fact I think it's disgusting!  If you wait until she is older she can have some input on whether she'd like to have her ears pierced (as much input as a young child can give that is).

Jennifer - posted on 03/02/2009

I got my daughters done when she was 3 months old. I was nervous but did it. She is now 15 mos and has beautifully peirced ears:) thankfully she had no problems at all. Good luck.

Cecilia - posted on 03/02/2009

i am a cosmetologist so i can pierce ears and I did my daughters when she was 2 months old..they turned out great, just don;t use cheap jewelry go with the good stuff and they should be fine, just clean them every day. Its best to do it younger I think so then they don't know  what is going on and it only hurts for a sec then they are fine;

Skylur - posted on 03/02/2009

Quoting Louise:

I take it all you people saying it is not abuse and complaining about me comparing it to stabbing are from a certain country that is not England and therefore do not understand the English language. I suggest you type 'stabbing' into dictionary.com where you will find the definition is: 'to penetrate sharply or painfully; to pierce or wound with'.

How can creating a permanent hole in your child's body not be abuse? Exaplin that to me? Preferably by making an argument that is a little stronger than " it never did me any harm", as this isn't really an argument at all, is it?!

Abuse: 'the infliction of physical or emotional injury'
Injury: 'an act that causes someone or something to receive physical damage'
Piercing: 'to penetrate into or run through (something), as a sharp, pointed dagger, object, or instrument does.'

Well for one you can not be prosecuted for piercing your childs ear. It is not against the law. They don't remember so there is no emotional damage and I have never heard a little girl or grown woman say "I wish my mom would have never gotten my ears pirced. Do you think that it is abuse to get your child vaccinated? They are feeling physical pain when they get shots. That's a stab.