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To Pierce or Not to Pierce
Author: Heather Slee
If you are considering having your baby's ears pierced, you can be sure to have lots of opinions thrown your way. Some people feel pretty passionately about baby ear piercing. Before you make the decision, be sure to learn the facts about ear piercing.
There are some risks associated with piercing a baby's ears. First, some babies are allergic to certain types of metals. This can cause a painful rash. Also, infections can be common in pierced ears. Parents need to keep the piercing clean, sometimes cleaning the area several times a day until it is completely healed, and that can be challenging when a baby is fiddling with an earring.
If you are planning to pierce your baby's ears, here are some suggestions from physician Meredith Goodwin. She suggests you ask your pediatrician to pierce your child's ears. Risk of infection from unclean piercing equipment can be avoided if a professional is the one piercing. She also recommends using 14 karat gold earrings or surgical steel in case your baby has sensitivity to metals. Finally, clean the piercing with alcohol or hydrogen peroxide several times a day, and watch closely for redness, which may be a sign of infection.
Basically, you are the parent, and it is your decision. Some people wait until their child asks. Some people don't allow piercings at all. Some parents pierce their baby's ears by two months. As long as you keep safety and cleanliness in mind, there's nothing wrong-- or right-- about baby ear piercing. It's just personal aesthetics.
