You may want to pierce your baby's ears because of a cultural practice or personal preference. Fortunately, you can pierce your baby's ears at any age for cosmetic reasons if you chose to. Be aware of the risks, safety precautions and piercing care necessary to make sure you make an informed and safe decision for your baby.
Age
As far as medical reasons go, you can have your baby's ears pierced at any time. Healthy Children states that it can be done at any age. However, DrGreene.com recommends waiting until your baby has had at least one or two of her tetanus shots in order to prevent contracting tetanus, a disease that can enter the body through puncture wounds. Depending on when your baby's doctor schedules her vaccinations, she may be around 4 to 5 months old when she gets the second shot.
Risks
Family practitioner Meredith Goodwin, M.D., states that ear piercing guns used to pierce ears cannot be sterilized, which increases the risk of infection. The staff at the location where you chose to have your baby's ears pierced may not be properly trained when it comes to piercing the ears of a baby, which could make it more uncomfortable for your child.
Safe Piercing
If you chose to have your baby's ears pierced, make sure to do it as safely as possible. Your baby's pediatrician may be able to do the piercing with a needle or can recommend a safe and reliable place to have it done. Wherever you chose to have your baby's ears pierced, inquire about the safety precautions and training of the person or business doing the piercing.
Reducing Pain
Dr. Goodwin states that you can give your baby a dose of acetaminophen or ibuprofen before ear piercing to help reduce pain if her doctor approves. Keep in mind that babies under six months of age cannot have ibuprofen, and both acetaminophen and ibuprofen should be administered according to your baby's weight. Ask a doctor for the correct dosing for your baby.
After the Piercing
After your baby's ear piercing, be sure to clean around the area several times a day. Her doctor can recommend using alcohol, hydrogen peroxide or an antibiotic ointment. Gently rotate the earrings every day and leave them in for four to six weeks. If there is redness or tenderness around the piercing area, remove the earrings and take your baby to the doctor. She may be allergic to the metal being used in her earrings.
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