Piercing your baby’s ears, especially girls is an integral part of our traditions that date back several centuries. There are scientific, traditional, and aesthetic considerations that play a role in the important decision of whether a child’s ears should be pierced. There’s no doubt that your mind is filled with questions and fears when it comes to getting your ears pierced! When should this be done? What should be done and what should not be done? What methods can be considered? These tips can help you prepare:
Time
As for the best time to pierce your baby’s ears, the best thing would be to consult a doctor. While some get their baby’s ears pierced just a few days after birth, some do it after 28 days or 6 months or some even consider it safe after 2 years! Your doctor may be able to tell you when he’s ready (the outer ear lobes need to mature a bit), and how to care for your baby’s ears once you get them pierced.
Place
Make sure this work is done under clean conditions. If possible, you can ask your pediatrician to get your child’s ears pierced, as there are many exercises involved in this procedure. You can also ask for a recommendation of a good doctor who can perform the procedure, or have it done by a reliable and reputable jeweler who has experience working on babies’ ears before.
How should the piercing be done?
The two most common methods are by using the gold wire piercing method and ear-piercing guns. Both methods are equally reliable. Make sure the needle in the ear-piercing gun is new. Gold wires are known to have antiseptic properties but the hands of the person doing it should be clean. Carry your feeding bottle, snacks or toys to keep your baby entertained so that he or she is not distracted by the pain, which will go away in a short time.
What metal should the hole be made with?
Pure gold, platinum, titanium and surgical stainless steel earrings. None of these contain nickel metal and are the safest option as babies cannot have an allergic reaction to any of them. Many children are allergic to nickel and cobalt, so it is best to avoid these metals.
After piercing care:
Rub the ear lobes soaked in an antiseptic before getting the piercing. After piercing, the wounds should not come in contact with water, this can cause pus to develop. Clean with an antiseptic solution and apply an ointment like Nespirin or Sofromycin. Slowly rotate the earring into the ear hole making sure the metal does not stick. If your baby is older, she may not allow you to touch her due to pain while she is sleeping so do it gently. If you notice excessive redness, blood or any other abnormality, please consult your doctor.
Also keep in mind that the gold earring should not get stuck in her clothes, towel, etc. If pulled, the wound may become more painful.
Do not remove the earrings for the first six weeks as the holes begin to close immediately within this time period. The earrings can be changed after six weeks, but make sure the earrings are worn continuously for six months after this so that the hole becomes permanent.
Getting a child’s ears pierced is a concern for many, and worrisome for some. Once you are in safe hands and hygiene and safety are ensured, it can be done easily.