What do you think of getting babies ears pierced?

Lana - posted on 03/01/2009

I have gotten my daughter and two nieces ears pierced when they were all infants. The pain is a lot less as infants then when they are older and will remember. Just clean them while you have her laying down for diaper changes, or bath... just get into a routine and she will get use to it.

Lynne - posted on 03/01/2009

I had my 7 1/2 month old daughter's ears pierced while on vacation in England. They have very strict laws for piercing: how to hold the child with 2 fingers on the forehead, if the child will not settle etc. I was fortunate: my daughter is a very happy baby and was very calm and sat still! Two gals worked simultaneously and on the count of 3, they were in. One cry later, Rachel had her ears pierced! The best part about it, that she will not remember the procedure. As for infections, we have had a couple of flare ups from her getting food etc all over herself. I was diligent about cleaning etc, but when we had a flare up I used Polysporin Triple Action which worked great. Chances are your child will have her ears pierced at some point in her life, I decided to to while she is too young to remember the pain!

Maxine - posted on 03/01/2009

There are some good posts here, but it seems that most people are worried about the pain of having their ears peirced! Baby girls with peirced ears looks gaudy and tacky, in my opinion anyway. Why is the 'pain' aspect a consideration? The thought should be is the right thing to do? I have full memory of having my ears peirced at 14, and not becuase it hurt, but becuase i thought it would and it didn't! And becuase i was the one who made the choice and remember the experiance, i look after my ear peircing far more. i have far more respect for my body, becuase i made that choice.

Melanie - posted on 03/01/2009

I personally am not ok with doing anything to a child that causes intentional pain. peircing an infants ears is the same as circumcising in MY opinion. Its an unecessary, potentially harmful (physically AND emotionally) cosmetic procedure. It should be the childs choice, when shes old enough to make an educated decision.

Trixia - posted on 03/01/2009

my daughter got her ears pierced when she was 5 months old. It turned ok, just keep it clean n dry after piercing. .She is now 6 years old and happy about it, cause when you do it when they are still baby the hole stay forever.i had it also when i was a baby n it stays.

Kerry - posted on 03/01/2009

I personaly think its better to get there ears pierced when they are babies because they are unaware of what is gonna happen. I had a nightmare when my daughter had hers done because she was 6 and really wanted her ears pierced like her friends but was so frightened at having holes put in her ears. She cried her heart out the whole time but was over very quickly. I wish i had had them done when she was a baby because seeing her go through all that trauma is not nice for her or mum.

Jeanie - posted on 03/01/2009

Of course it is every parents own personal decision, but I waited until my daughter was 5 years old and asked her if she would like to have her ears pierced. That way she had a decision even though she was young she herself was asked if she would like to have them pierced. So ultimately it is up to you if you want to wait or do it now.

Jo - posted on 03/01/2009

From what I can gather, ear piercing came about as a way to draw attention to the erogenous zone of the neck. In other words, it is done traditionally to attract sexual attention from members of the opposite sex.



Based on this information, I don't believe sexualisation of babies or children is appropriate. Extreme viewpoint? Well, what else is body adornment for, if not to attract attention...?

Jo - posted on 03/01/2009

From what I can gather, ear piercing came about as a way to draw attention to the erogenous zone of the neck. In other words, it is done traditionally to attract sexual attention from members of the opposite sex.



Based on this information, I don't believe sexualisation of babies or children is appropriate. Extreme viewpoint? Well, what else is body adornment for, if not to attract attention...?

Dawn - posted on 03/01/2009

Hey hun! I dont agree with it id rather wait till shes old enough to decide 4 her self and old enough to enjoy them and understand them :) its your choice hun let me know how ya get on :o)

Hamida - posted on 03/01/2009

hi

i got my daughters ears pierced at eight months.it was great .no infections of any sort .just get it done by a proffesional and go with good quality earings.

goodluck

Patricia - posted on 03/01/2009

I think it's a personal choice.  Think about your experience getting our ears pierced.  Did your parents do it when you were a baby?  Did you do it yourself as a teenager in the bathroom with a bunch of your friends?  Are they even pierced at all? 

When I was 6 I wanted to get my ears pierced because several friends had theirs pierced.  My mom said I couldn't.  For my 7th birthday with the money I received I told my mom I wanted to go to the mall and have my ears pierced.  She tried to talk me out of it but I insisted.  They got infected even after taking good care of them so twice a day I had to walk to the neighbors house and have her help me clean all the "crusty" stuff off until they healed.  My mom doesn't have her ears pierced and couldn't handle trying to help me.  I toughed it out and 30 years later I still have them pierced.

If  my son had been a daughter I would have waited and let her make her own decision like I did when I was a kid.  But would I be as willing to let my 7 year old son pierce his ear(s)????  I think that's a conversation for a whole new thread......

Judy - posted on 02/28/2009

I had my babies ears pierced at that age with posts just make sure they are gold. Hoops are not good even small ones because they can get their little fingers through hoops and pull down that will hurt & they can bleed or even rip ear lobe. keep clean & more the balls or whatever kind you decide to use so they can heal properly also if they are not moved the skin will dry and then they can stick to the post keep clean & moveable........ Judy

Judy - posted on 02/28/2009

I had my babies ears pierced at that age with posts just make sure they are gold. Hoops are not good even small ones because they can get their little fingers through hoops and pull down that will hurt & they can bleed or even rip ear lobe. keep clean & more the balls or whatever kind you decide to use so they can heal properly also if they are not moved the skin will dry and then they can stick to the post keep clean & moveable........ Judy

Chassity - posted on 02/28/2009

Well, I had my ears pierced when I was 9 months old and I'm very greatful now that I did!  I've never had to worry about my holes closing up or anything because I had them done at such a young age!  I don't think that my mom ever had any problems with them as in infections and such!  I also had my daughter's eas pierced at 2 months.  She cried literally for a second and wehn I picked her up she was fine and I have not had any problems since then (she's almost 2 now).  The only thing I hate is when she loses her back or even her earrings.  LOL!

Martha - posted on 02/28/2009

I got my daughter's ears done by her ped. at her 2 month checkup and never had a problem with them at all.

Jill - posted on 02/28/2009

I got my daughters ears pierced when she was 3 months. I asked herfine  docter and she said that she thought it was best to do it when they are to young to realize they are there and touch them all the time. She also told me to give her a dose of baby tylenol about a half hour before, so we did and she cried for a second and then she was fine. She is now 4 and has never had a problem and lets me change them whenever. Like another post said, I would not go for cheap earings for the first year or so to make sure she dosent have sensitive ears... Good luck.

Kristin - posted on 02/28/2009

I got my daughter's ears pierced at 10 monthsold and had absolutely no troubles...   I gave her a sucker right when they were done (her first candy) and she was great!   I have never had any troubles... I keep them real clean and have not changed the earrings.   She has never messed with them or anything!   I'm glad I did it!

Krista - posted on 02/28/2009

My husband and I were of the same mind regarding getting our daughters ears pierced....we left it up to her to decide. She was almost 3 years old (34 months). She started pre-school, and that is where she realized that another little girl had her ears pierced, then she started noticing and playing with mine. She asked for over a month before we finally took her to get them pierced. They were both done at the same time, and she said it really hurt, but she was such a trooper, and really only cried for a few minutes. But....she knew what was going to happen, I told her that it would hurt, and she still decided to get it done. She is awesome with them, she has never played with them, and the only time they got infected was when the little girl I babysit ripped her earring by putting her in a head lock. I would say personally, wait until your daughter is old enough to choose to pierce her ears. There are a few girls in my daughters class that have absolutely no interest in getting their ears pierced. It is a very personal decision, and I don't agree with piercing their ears so young. And, I agree with the other Mom on here, I think babies look so much cuter without earrings!!! Their little ear lobes are so precious without all that metal in them!!!

Maxine - posted on 02/28/2009

There are a lot of posts here it seems with the idea of peircing a baby's ears! Personally im surprised! I believe it looks plain wrong seeing any sort of jewellery on a baby, or child. Its an adult thing and percing your baby's ears just seems to be a form of making them grow up too fast! I got my ears peirced when i was 14 and it was very much a 'im old enough now' sort of thing.. my mom even made me wait six months! Seeing braclets, chains and rings on babies is jsut plain wrong, earings are the same.

Denise - posted on 02/28/2009

I had my 2 daughters ears pierced at 5 months old and had no problems. I had my husband and mother-in-law take them because I didn't have the heart to see them cry. I waited outside but it was quick. I guess it's like getting a vaccination. A quick pinch and it's over. I strongly agree with Alison. Go with the 14kt. gold earings incase her little ears are sensitive. And make sure you go to a good place with sterilized equiptment.

Claire - posted on 02/28/2009

ive had all my kids ears done but i waited till they was 2  and as long as you clean them with the propper stuff they should be ok mine have never had any problems with theres but take them to a propper peircing place such as claire accsessories and have them done with gold there alittle pricey but worth it if you want them doing

Sandra - posted on 02/28/2009

I got my daughter's ears pierced when she was 6 months old. It was the best she only cried slightly becuase of the loud noise next to her. I was able to keep them clean and I didn't change them until she was 3 years old (she is now 7 years) she is so used to them she rarley changes them and we have never had an infection. They say the longer you leave in the earring they pierce with the better it is and I agree I would do it again in a heartbeat!!

Amy - posted on 02/28/2009

This is a completely personal choice. I was on the fence about my daughter as you are. I chose to wait until she is older. My reasoning was not only chance of infection but as a bargaining tool later on. I can tell she has a lot of energy and I believe at some point in elementary school she will want them done, and I will use it as a way for good behavior and no talking. Its a thought not sure if it will work out my way but its worth a shot.

Donna - posted on 02/28/2009

It does look cute but I think the child should make their own decision to have this done when they are old enough

Lisa - posted on 02/28/2009

I got my daughters ears done at 10 weeks and didn't have a problem with them at all. My sister got my nieces done when she was 2 and again had no problems. It doesn't hurt for very long and I found if you have something you can distract them with straight after (like a bottle or a fave toy) it helps take their mind off it quicker.



If you call around you can usually find a place that has 2 ear piercing guns, so the do both lobes at the same time. This way she won't know what's happening until it's over and they are more likely to be even. (instead of doing one fine and then squirming for the second cause she knows what's comming) It did take us awhile to find a place with 2 guns, but it was worth it in the end. Try places that do body piecing as well (like cosmetics plus - where we got bubs done).

Lisa - posted on 02/28/2009

I got my daughters ears done at 10 weeks and didn't have a problem with them at all. My sister got my nieces done when she was 2 and again had no problems. It doesn't hurt for very long and I found if you have something you can distract them with straight after (like a bottle or a fave toy) it helps take their mind off it quicker.



If you call around you can usually find a place that has 2 ear piercing guns, so the do both lobes at the same time. This way she won't know what's happening until it's over and they are more likely to be even. (instead of doing one fine and then squirming for the second cause she knows what's comming) It did take us awhile to find a place with 2 guns, but it was worth it in the end. Try places that do body piecing as well (like cosmetics plus - where we got bubs done).

Rita - posted on 02/28/2009

I was a manager at a store that did piercings (ears) and the main reason to get babies ears pierced is that it only hurts for a few seconds and then the baby forgets they are there and they heal quickly. Also it alleviates the fear produced when the child is older. In many cultures, babies ears are pierced quite early. It is just a personal preference.

Penny - posted on 02/28/2009

I had both of my girl's ears pierced when they were infants. Go adhead you want regret it. Do it while they are small it is alot easier to care for their ears whem they are that small. My girls love their ears now and wear all kinds of earrings. They are 9 and 8 years old. I don't regret it for one moment. You will be alot of feed back on this. Do what you feel in right in your heart.

Aingeal - posted on 02/28/2009

Everyone's experiences are different, I had mmy ears pierced at 6years old and had numerous problems growing up with infections even though they were kept clean constantly and was using gold earrings, turns out, I'm allergic to nickel which is in alot of jewellery these days INCLUDING gold. Silver, titanium & surgical steel are the only metals in which jewellery are made that dont have nickel in it so if you have a problem with keeping infections away try earrings with the alternative metals, my 9yr old daughter has never had her ears peirced due to her father constantly telling her that it will hurt too much and it will make her ears bleed, her step-father and I have been trying to convine her otherwise but she is too scared now.

Jacqueline - posted on 02/28/2009

Hi, I would do it as although my son only 3 months and not likely to have a piercing (not in my lifetime anyway), for a girl is cute and it is so comman and routine these days. My nieces all had their ears pierced early, in their first year, so I think as long as you go to a decent piercing place, it will be ok. Up to you of course, but children bounce back quick, they get through their injections ok! good luck

Nancy - posted on 02/28/2009

Hi Amber....my opinion for what is worth is not to have them done....I am now a grandmother of a 16 mt old little girl ...but when my daughter was 2 I had hers done....everything went well but as I have aged I believe she was just to young....it wasn't her decision it was mine so I believe that Moms should wait until their kids are old enough to understand that yes, it does hurt and they need to be looked after etc etc....just my opinion Amber and whatever you decide to do good luck :)

Nancy - posted on 02/28/2009

Hi Amber....my opinion for what is worth is not to have them done....I am now a grandmother of a 16 mt old little girl ...but when my daughter was 2 I had hers done....everything went well but as I have aged I believe she was just to young....it wasn't her decision it was mine so I believe that Moms should wait until their kids are old enough to understand that yes, it does hurt and they need to be looked after etc etc....just my opinion Amber and whatever you decide to do good luck :)

Eve - posted on 02/28/2009

If I could have gotten my daughter's ears pierced, I would have. She is only 3 now, but my husband feels like it is some kind of right of passage for a girl as some magic age. I said, the boys were circumsised, this can't be any worse then that, probaly alot easier...so here I wait until she sees every other girl with them. I have heard many parents say, make sure they can do both ears at the same time though.

Eve - posted on 02/28/2009

If I could have gotten my daughter's ears pierced, I would have. She is only 3 now, but my husband feels like it is some kind of right of passage for a girl as some magic age. I said, the boys were circumsised, this can't be any worse then that, probaly alot easier...so here I wait until she sees every other girl with them. I have heard many parents say, make sure they can do both ears at the same time though.

Christa - posted on 02/28/2009

i have thought about this same subject and this is my conclusion, if you have had problems with piercings i wouldn't...i have had the worst time getting my ears to heal right after they were pierced (and i ended up having to get them re done five times) i apparently am allergic to something they used, i would let her make the choice herself when she is old enough to care for them b/c you might not know if she is having a problem with them b/c it might not be visible.

Cate - posted on 02/28/2009

Not that it is a big deal to do otherwise, but personally I feel it is a choice they should make when old enough to decide for themselves.  That's what I chose to do with my daughter, and she did chose to get them done.  WHen it comes to children....now they can't make every choice, but that is one of those things that could be used as one to give them.  This is a bigger deal than we think...allowing them control over their own bodies.  But again..u certainly aren't a bad Mom to do them now.  The things you mentioned are very real possibilities though. 

Laura - posted on 02/28/2009

As an emergency room nurse, I have seen many a baby that has ended up swallowing their earring, necklace, bracelet, etc. I have seen massive infections on babies from improper cleaning and turning the posts.

I would suggest waiting until she is older 3-4 years old is still yong but is safer than infant.

Joann - posted on 02/28/2009

What matters most is, do you feel comfortable piercing your baby’s ears? I personally feel it’s best to wait until the child is old enough to ask to have her ears pierced. After all, it is her ears that you are planning to pierce right? My daughter had her ears pierced at eight years old when she asked to have them pierced and it was extra special cause she helped pick out the earrings she wanted and was old enough to let me know if her ears were hurting from the earrings. As it turns out, my daughter is allergic to fake earrings. Had she been 9 months old, she wouldn’t have been able to tell me that until her ears were swollen and red with infection.

Kelly - posted on 02/28/2009

I got my daughters ears pierced at 9 months, she didnt even flinch, when the ear piercing gun clicked she just looked at me, I then put her in the stroller gave her a bottle and she was fine. I will tell you this make sure you use the ear cleaning solution they give you for the earrings cause with all the baths and other stuff that may come in contact with the ear, the solutions cleans the ear and earring really well.

Janet - posted on 02/28/2009

I recently had Eden's ears pierced at 6 months. Her pediatrician pierced them as well as instructed me on how to care for them. She cried but no worse than getting her immunizations. The doc told me it's like getting a shot. They are healing just fine. I was on the fence about it as well, but felt secure with her pediatrician doing it. Ask your doc...

Michelle - posted on 02/28/2009

I think is it fine!. A few of my friends had their daughters done at 6 months. She was ok with it.. She never really cried that much.. It's just the shock of the gun going off so quick that scares them.

Kim - posted on 02/28/2009

I had my daughters ears pierced a little over a week ago. I was had a horrible experience having my ears pierced and didn't want her to have this memory. She didn't cry at all. It was less traumatic then getting her 2 month shots. She lets me clean them 3 times a day and turn them. She doesn't even cry for that. I think it is completely up to the parent.

Rosie - posted on 02/28/2009

I personally think its a bad idea. They wont know what hit them, surely they would cry so much and their ears would be so sore for ages. I am leaving my little girl to decide when she wants it done its her choice then x

Claire - posted on 02/28/2009

I would not have my childrens ears pierced until they were old enough to make the choice for themselves... Now they have them done but they both decided for themselves... Which i was happy to take them for them doing...

Sandra - posted on 02/28/2009

i had my twins done at 10 months and they were fine no bother only cried a tiny bit and never touched them go for it sandra armstrong

Sandra - posted on 02/28/2009

i had my twins done at 10 months and they were fine no bother only cried a tiny bit and never touched them go for it sandra armstrong

Angel - posted on 02/28/2009

My duaghter was 2 weeks old when I had her ears pierced. I think its up to the mother and how she really feels about it. I have a friend that waited till her daughter was old enough to decide for herself. I personally think it's better to do it when they are younger, 99% of all females have them pierced anyway, so why not go ahead when they are little?! They are no harder to take care of when little like that, than when older, you still have to do the same care of ears.

Kelly - posted on 02/28/2009

I wanted to get them sooner but never did... kelsy asked around 3 and got them then No probs.. its ur choice..

Jennifer - posted on 02/28/2009

with both our daughters, we made a decision that when they were old enough to request that their ears be pierced, by choice, and that they were aware of the procedure, andn that it might pinch, etc!