Many parents want to have their infant’s ears pierced as soon as possible. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents wait until the child is old enough to care for the piercing. It is possible, however, to have your infant’s ears pierced while minimizing the risk of infection and other complications.
Step 1
Wait until your infant has had two tetanus shots, states DrGreene.com. There is a chance that the infant can contract tetanus when getting her ears pierced, so waiting until after two shots minimizes this risk. Additionally, DrGreene.com states that an infant can better fight off or handle minor skin irritations that may occur if she is over 3 months old.
Step 2
Give the infant acetaminophen or another over-the-counter pain reliever that is recommended by her pediatrician an hour before the piercing. While ear piercing isn’t thought to cause significant pain, according to Baby Center, these medications may decrease the discomfort.
Step 3
Make sure your piercer uses single-use piercing equipment. Most ear piercing guns can’t be sterilized, states Baby Center. Use of a piercing needle by a qualified professional is one suitable method for piercing an infant’s ears.
Step 4
Ask the piercer if she is licensed. Licensing for piercing establishments is granted through a state’s Department of Health. The piercer should be able to show you the license for either herself or the establishment, depending on local laws.
Step 5
Use a piercer who has done infants' ears before. If the piercer is experienced, there is less of a chance of something going wrong during the piercing.
Step 6
Ensure that the earrings used for the piercings are made of 14-karat gold or surgical steel to minimize the risk of an allergic reaction.
Step 7
Hold your infant during the piercing process. You can help to keep your infant calm and still during the piercing. By holding her, you may also decrease her anxiety.
Step 8
Follow all aftercare instructions provided by the piercer. These include daily cleanings and usually application of topical antibiotics.
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