When to Have Daughters Ears Pierced

I hate when I see babies with peirced ears. Why don't you you wait until she can make the decision herself whether she wants holes poked in her body. What's the harm in that. I got mine done when I was 10 or 11. I wasn't traumatized by the pain or anything.

I personally will wait until my daughter is old enough to make that decision on her own. I, as an adult don't like to wear earrings but also I am allergic to anything that isn't nickel free. I wish I never had mine pierced, but I'm guessing someone who didn't might wish they did. Anyway, my opinion is that it should be left up to the individual when they are old enough to make their own decision.

I requested to have my ears pierced at age 3 so it was a birthday present.

I have a son however, so I can't tell you when I would pierce a daughter's ears.

Hi,

Unless it's a cultural custom, why would you want to pierce a baby's ears? I just don't understand it. Clearly your baby isn't interested in them. To me it just feels like the human version of playing dress-up with your Barbie. Since your baby is not an accessory, perhaps you should wait until/if she expresses a desire for them for herself.

But again, if it is a matter of cultural custom, do what your customs dictate (assuming you are comfortable with that, of course).

Good Morning S.,
I was in the jewelry business for twenty years. I spent quite a bit of time re-piercing women's ears who had them done so young.
You can't possibly make them even at such a young age, because they are growing SO quickly. Plus ear lobes are not naturally at the same height anyway, they are just like feet. When peircing them, your peircer should be look at both ear lobes at the same time from a short distance, with the person sitting straight up, not something that can be done on a baby. The earring need to be place evenly, not centered on the individual ear lobe. Pediatrician's should stick to children's heath and not the Jewelry business, most reputable jewelers will not do them that young.
Good luck
K. R

I don't want to sound judgemental (so I apologize if it comes off that way), but I was shocked when a colleague asked recently if I was going to pierce my daughter's ears. It never crossed my mind.

I must say I'm a little surprised so many folks have pierced young babies.

I know you're getting a billion responses, but I had to put one in.

I didn't have my ears pierced until 11 years of age, and was fine with that. I'm really glad that my mother waited until I wanted it.

I realize it's a cultural thing, but it really is mutilation to some extent, and I wouldn't want to risk my baby to get an infection, nor put her through pain when she literally doesn't know the difference.

Good luck whatever you do.

HI S.,

This is just my opinion, however if your close friends and family all pierce their ears as a social requirement, please ignore my thoughts on this and do what will make sure your daughter is accepted.

I was in 8th grade and doing fine, no pierced ears, and my mom was told by well meaning adult friends that I needed to have my ears pierced, and same for my sister (6th grade). I personally didn't care one way or the other at the time, everybody in class was getting their ears pierced, wearing nylons, buying purses but things like that were kind of "ok, let them, I'll dress up when I feel like it, not because they all feel like it."

I have never cared much about fashion, just stay clean and healthy, and dress up when it's time to dress up, but don't go into crying fits if the eyeshadow doesn't match the skirt prefectly - but I do remember wondering why people wanted to have someone make a hole in their body voluntarily that was a permanant choice.

I didn't protest too much over her getting my ears pierced, just couldn't understand the drive to have it done. Later, I regret it some, becaues I had to wear earrings in the military 'cuz I have pierced ears, one more thing to lose and fuss with. Same for corporate life ( I am a manager) and business life (I run my own business).

Don't read me wrong about earrings - I absolutely know if I had not had my ears pierced, I would definitely have bought classy clip-on earrings to wear when I wanted to dress up, but as a college athlete, never wore earrings when I was running or playing volleyball, and when I am not in public, I never wear earrings. Generally I wear earrings now because I have holes in my ears, not because I would wear them for the occaision unless it's a high level meeting (same choice process like when to wear serious makeup).
Bottom line, if I had my choice, looking back, I would not have had my ears pierced, but it was not a huge deal either way. Just something to consider. - M.

I had my daughters ears pierced when she was old enough to request them.

My 2 sisters and I got our ears pierced when we turned 9 years old. We looked at it as a kind of coming of age thing and really made it special for each of us. I've already told my 4 year old that she can have her ears pierced when she turned 9. I feel like it's the perfect age because girls are then better able to take care of their ears and earrings themselves. I also hope it will buy some time on the make-up issue.

I was told a baby can have them done after they had their tetanus shots. After that, you're good to go. I had my daughters ears pierced recently adn she was 3 y/o. I would've done it earlier but she always had ear infections. They pierced them at they same time. It hurt initially but she got over it real quick when she saw how pretty they looked. Now I had mine done at 12 y/o and it hurt real bad! So I am glad she is done now!
Good Luck!
C.

Hi, S.. My daughter just had her 4 month check up and I pierced her ears at the same time. The sooner the better; the initial shock wore off quickly. Her shots were much more painful than getting her ears pierced.
I have a friend who waited until her daughter was 7 months and she said her screams were heart-wrenching!
Good luck!
S. B

well.. we got our daughter's ears pierced when she was 4 months old... our family believes the younger the are the better.. the reason for this is that when they are younger, their skin is softer, so it hurts less... also, they are less likely to pull at the earrings when younger, so it helps healing...

I would say go for it now :-)

I had them done by her 2 month. Thats was me. :)

My 4 1/2 month old little girl just got hers done about two weeks ago at Piercing Pagoda in the mall (the day after her 4 month shots). They did a great job. I was sooooo afraid she'd scream and scream, but 30 seconds of crying (way less than a shot!!) and she was done. She was giggling not even 1 minute after they were done.

So, I'd recommend doing it soon. I did not want to have the pediatrician do it -- she said to wait until 6 months and I kept reading how they don't do it on a regular basis, that you are better off getting it done where they do them all the time.

The woman who did my baby's ears did one at a time, and it was fast and easy. Highly recommend it! She loves looking at her earrings in the mirror and they have not gotten red at all. I clean them 2x/day and she doesn't mind one bit. She'll even sit still for me to twist them!

I waited until my daughter was old enough to tell me on her own that she wanted it done. We were visiting with my bestfriend from out of town who had just gotten her daughters ears pierced. Our girls are only a few months apart, they were both 4 at the time. My daughter said she wanted her ears pierced, and I explained that it would hurt, but only for a minute. By the time she was 7 she decided didn't want earrings anymore. She is now 9.5 and still doesn't wear earrings. I just think it's more fair to the child to let them decide. I have a niece who is 19 and still has no desire to have her ears pierced.

i went to a place in the mall and got my daughters pierced at like 5 months and they say they do them as young as 2 months as long as they got their shots

Hi S.,
I had both daughters' ears pierced at 6 months old. I waited until they had the appropriate immunizations. Consult with the pediatrician on this. As for tips, bring something she likes, like water, diluted juice or milk and maybe a toy or a snack. My girls cried each time, but as soon as I gave them the bottle, they were quiet. The experience is no more traumatic than getting an immunization. She may not cry at all. Just be prepared. Good luck.

S.,

I had my daughters ears pierced when she was about 9 months, but not by choice. She was born with some complications so she was in and out of the doctors alot so I waited till that was older, but in my family we tend to get thier ears pierced when they are really young, like 2 months. We've all had our ears pierced at a young age and never had any problems. As long as its a clean safe place, everything should be fine. Just be prepared to loose a few sets of earrings!

I decided to wait until my daughter is old enough to request earrings. I had earrings put on me as a newborn and when I was around seven years old, I pulled them out and ruined the earring hole on one ear. (I admit this is a minor problem to have) But I also no longer wear earrings as a long term result of this. I did however manage to wear tiny earrings for my wedding day. I could have it fixed but it is just not that high on the priority list.

I had my daughter's pierced when she was 6 monthd old. My ped said do it by 6 months or wait until they are like 10/ Because as babies since at such a young age they dont touch them. By todddler age when they get it done they are more aware of them and when they keeo touchung then they can get it infected and or take earrings off. At 6 mos my daughter cried for just a few seconds, no worse than a vaccination shot. The nurse who did it was aware of the spacing to allow for the ear to grow. She's now 4 and they still look fine, not too close to her head. After it's done, you just have to put solution on it that they give you twice a day for about 3 weeks I think? But it was easy, when she was sleeping on my arms after nursing or something I dabbed it on with a Qtip she never even knew anything about that. Never had any infections or problems. The earrings they give you for babies are safety ones, the backing is a ball that you screw or snap on securely, that keeps the back of the post covered so it doesn't poke them. I hope this info helps!

That's a personal decision. Everyone is different at what they prefer. I had my daughters done when she was 3 weeks old. Her best friend just got them done at 11 yrs old. My mom did mine when I was about 1 week old. I t all depends on what mom feels about the issue.

Hello,
What does getting "shots" have to do with ear piercing. That makes absolutely no sense. I have 3 daughters and all got their ears pierced around 3 months at a salon. Just a burst of 30 sec crying and that's all. What's nice is that they don't play with the earrings and when they are old enough, the earrings are just a part of their ears. (and there is no anxiety that an older child may have going to get them done).
Good luck S.. Whatever youre comfortable with is what's right for you and your baby.

S.,

I have not pierced my daughters ears (waiting to see if they want them peirced) but my girlfriend did it to her daughter right after she was 4 months. If you are not sure ask your peditrician. Good Luck.

Hi there. I pierced my daughter's ears at 9 months and I regret waiting that long. 5 months is a good time. I would suggest asking your pediatrician because mine had to check her earlobes before she agreed to it. She wanted to make sure that they were a certain size and maturity before she pierced them. I only trusted her ear piercing at the pediatrician's office. I felt that it was more sterile. I wish that I would have pierced my daughter's ears earlier b/c she freaks out when anyone goes near her ears and she screams. She remembers what happened. Also, it took 3 people to hold her down when the 2nd ear was pierced. Now she is 18 months old and she is getting better. Thank God! Good luck!

hey S.,

I have 13 female cousins and they have 6 daughters, and 3 nieces, 6 friends who have daughters, and 1 sister.

I myself have 3 sons.

ALL of them were pierced as toddlers or infants and many of them are adults now, teens , and babies.

They all have normal ears, and their earrings are not close to their heads, nor do they look funny.

nor have the ears been deformed.ect..

It a personal option as to when to have them pierced,

the only thing that might concern me would be that having them pierced early might be a problem as they grow because kids play and they could get caught on something. and the child gets hurt.

however, it could be said that the earier you do it, the more familiar they are with the things you can and cannot do with pierced ears.

but I guess its all opinion.

M

I had my oldest daughter's done just after her first vaccines. I think she was just a little over 3 months. Your pediatrician can let you know when they will do it. It was great because she didn't even notice her earrings so we didn't have to worry about her pulling on them or anything.Good luck!

I had my daughter's ears pierced at 6 months by the pediatrician and I absolutely loved it! They never gave her a problem, no infections, everything went great. She cried when it was being done, but it was over pretty quickly. I am so happy we did it at this age. She is soo stinkin' cute!

I had my daughters ears pierced at 6 months no problems at all. Good luck

my daughter was 7 months old when i had her ears pierced

Our daughter was 8 months old when we got her ears pierced but only because we really forgot about it up until then. I know when I was a baby my mother pierced my ears when I was a month old. It's actually better to do when younger because they are less likely to remember.

Hi S..
The younger the better. But it would be your call.
M.

We pierced both our daughters ears at 4 months with the pediatrician.

I am waiting till my girls request having earrings. I don't think it should be a priority to have an infants ears pierced.
I've never been pressured by anyone about my beliefs. My girls are 28 months and 8 months.

I know most pedi won't do it until 9 mos.

Hi S.,
I had my pediatrcian pierce both my girls ears. My first had hers done at 7 months and my second had hers done at her 6 month check up. Both of them did fine with it and we have never had any problems and they dont bother there earrings. Good luck with you decision.
Sherri
mom of 3 1 boy age 7 and 2 girls ages 5 and almost 2

I had one daughter done at a year and the other at 8 months. Both were fine. I think the little ones are less apt to touch them, etc. I heard mixed reviews about using the pediatrician - some say they don't do them that often and aren't as proficient as the places that do them. I also want both ears done simultaneously to avoid hysteria and problems doing the second ear. We used a jewlery store in town that had done a bunch of friends kids...

Hi S., Both my sisters had their daughter's ears pierced at 6 monthe old. Best wishes, Grandma Mary

I had my daughters pierced at about two months old. Its better when they are young because they wont touch them. If they are older you have to worry about them taking them out and perhaps putting them in their mouth. The worst part was holding her still thats when she cried, I don't think the piercing hurt as much as being held so tightly. I read the other comment about their earlobes growing and the holes being up to high, my daughter is nineteen now and we have not had a problem. I think when you do it is really up to your doctor and personal choice.

A baby or toddler is way to young. The ear ring can get caught on their clothing. If they pull too hard, they can wind up with a huge gash in their ear. It many not happen too often, but I've seen it and it is gross.

hi S.;

i would urge you not to bother having it done at the doctor; they make a much bigger deal out of it then it should be. i had my daughter's done at 8 mo's at a Piercing Pagoda at a mall and it was 5 minutes and done perfectly. i have asked moms in my area who are here from other countries, where the girls get thier ears done very early, and they were all surprised that people do it at the doctor. they all did it at home or went to a jewlery place. just make sure you clean it and twirl it every day.

good luck
J.

S.,

We had our daughter's ears pierced when she was just 6 weeks old. The peditrican did the piercing. They told us that they needed to be pierced by 6 months or we would have to wait being the fact that she would play with them if she was older. We never had a problem and eventhough she cried it happened so quicly. They gave us some cream to numb the lobes that we applied 1 hour before the appointment. Speak to the doctor about getting her ears pierced. If you get them pierced outside the office (the mall or somewhere) make sure they are properly trained.

Good Luck

Hello!
My daughter is 23 months now and she got her ears pierced when she was 6 months old. I think it was the best because they have always been "apart" of her so she has never really bothered them. My pedi did them as well and she actually gave me a prescription for emla cream (sorry not sure how spelled) and I put it on her ears before we went and it numbed her ears and she did not feel a thing.

Good Luck =)
P. D.

Hi. My daughter had her ears pierced at 6 months. She is now 14 months. We have never had a problem. I still clean her ears after every bath because the shampoo can build up by the earring. My daughter never realized they were there either. I did put hoops in her ears and she pulled at them but the gold balls and diamond studs and her birthstone studs were never a problem. My daughter also rubs her ears when she is tired and that has never been a problem either. Good Luck

Hi S.,

My daughter got her ears pierced at age 10. This is when she requested it. I would not have made this decision for her, and I would not have been willing to have it done when I still had to care for the piercings, it was just not a responsibility I wanted to take on. Many parents have babies' ears pierced, but I'm a parent who never considered that and falls into the group of not doing infant piercings.
Good luck, whatever you decide.

My mom did my ears when I was 4-5 months old by the pediatrician... I had my daughters ears done when she was 5 months old by the place in the mall that uses those guns.

If you choose to do this for your daughter, I would definitely choose a professional piercer - the pain is less, the method causes less scarring, and the chance of infection is lessened. Also, their equipment (including the earrings) is better quality.

My dtr just got hers done at age 10. The woman who pierced then said that she can always tell if someone had them done as an infant because as they grow the holes become close to their head since your ears and ear lobes grow too. She recomended waiting until kids are bigger so this does not happen.

I had my daughters ears pierced at that age. Never had one problem. I would recommend it b/c the baby will leave her ears alone where as when your child is older thier hair can wrap around the post and cause infection eaiser, that in combination of them touching/pulling on them. I would also like to point out that my daughters earrings are perfectly spaced. They look great and she loves having them done. I remember my whole family in an uproar over this, some said they agreed to have it done and the rest.. our dear old grandma's, said to wait. I guess it is personal choice, and the ability to trust who will do the procedure enough to do it well. You should have no problems and if I were you I'd go for it! I would do it all over again if I could. Good luck!

Hi, S.. My sister got her daughters' ear pierced when they were infants and one of them grew up hating wearing earrings so I disagree with doing so. First of all, you really don't know if she'll like to have earrings in her ears, decond of all, I think it's a terrible thing for them to feel the pain especially when they are soooo young and don't know why and what is going on.
If you're concerned about distinguishing her from boy for tothers to see, put a barret in her hair or something of that sort. Please don't think I was mean or upset with this, just letting you know what I think.

S.,

I got my daughter's ears pireced by the pediatrician at her 6 month check up. 6 months of age was the earliest that the pediatrician would do it. Prior to going to the appointment, I put on ointment that the pediatrician prescribed to knumb her ears. During the appointment, my daughter had me holding her legs, nurse practioner holding her arms, and the MD doing the pirecing. Then she got 2 shots in addition, as scheduled. It was a hrad experience for me, but I know in my heart that she will never remember it. My daughter stopped srying by the time we got to the car. As hard as it was for both of us, I totally recommend it at this age. I wish you and your daughter well in this experience. Let me know how she does.

I had my daughter's done arround 6 months. I know of some people that have them done as early as 2 weeks. You just need to make sure you clean the ears properly to avoid infection.

My ears were pierced when I was 4 weeks old...never had a problem with them.. I got my daughter's pierced when she was 4 months old by her ped. He did her ears, did her shots, and she got Tylenol.. No problems..

My mother had mine done when I was two; I don't remember it at all. She claims that she did it because I had no hair and she was sick of people telling her what a cute little boy I was! I will say, though, throughout my childhood it was a nuisance. I was always losing earrings, and they got sore and yucky frequently because I was just too young to care for them properly. (Partially, because I just didn't care- I didn't make the decision, so it wasn't something I was really excited about. I was more interested in my Girl Scout merit badge count.) Once I turned about 12, I was more into clothes and appearance, and then I took better care. I still have the holes, plus two others. My mother has been after me since the day my daughter was born to get hers done, and I have refused. When she's old enough to ask, and take care of them, she can have it done. No rush, as far as I'm concerned. But some families really like it, and it's not like I experienced any long term bad effects or anything.

Well, I'll throw in my thoughts on it too.

I had my daughter's done when she was a few months old. First ear she never cried, second ear she cried a few second. No big deal and she got over it quickly.

I do wonder though, how does the pediatrician do it? needle or a gun? Piercing guns are terrible to use4, they rip through the skin and can cause scar tissue in the hole. However, a piercing needle cuts through the skin and leaves no scarring (or very very little of it).

Professional piercers (who use needles) will also have you use antimicrobial cleanser to clean the piercings with and sea salt in warm water to help it heal.
You should never use alcohol or peroxide on the piercings as it will dry them out and irritate them.

Whatever age you choose to have them done at is entirely up to you. I did find that with my daughter she never bothered the earrings, never pulled on them or anything. She is almost 10 now and they are still evenly spaced and look very nice.

I know this is a late response, but I just wanted to add this little info. My mom had my ears pierced when I was a baby and my dad threw a fit. Long story short, they compromised and agreed I could get them done when I turned 8yo. My point is, the scar tissue from where the first piercing had been ended up in a far different part of my earlobe than where the piercing when I was 8 ended up being. My advice (if she hasn't gotten pierced already) is to look at the size and shape of your lobes and her fathers lobes, if you both have attached earlobes, it probably won't matter when you have it done, but if either of you have free earlobes that hang a little, you may want to wait until she gets older so that her earrings are not off-center. Supposedly, your ears and noses grow your whole life. Will it really matter either way, not much.

I got my first daughters done when she was 6 months old at the pediatricians office, and will do the same with my new baby girl when shes 6 months old. I remember she had no problems with it, she cried for a minute then I gave her a bottle and she was fine.