Probably the best time for an infant to have their ears pierced is at 2 months, which aligns with the first set of vaccinations, where the tetanus shot is also included.
While that’s a comforting precaution, even if you did the baby ear piercing without vaccinations, there is a very low probability that a baby will get tetanus.
One of the first things a new parent might want to do is get their baby’s ears pierced. This can be done in one sitting at the local mall, or by visiting a piercing studio with your child’s pediatrician’s approval.
A dangerous trend has recently emerged within the past few years, that is, parents wanting their child’s ear pierced without first getting their child vaccinated.
This trend has risen to prominence due to the rumor that a recent study from Denmark had discovered that an unvaccinated baby who had their ears pierced was more likely to become ill than a vaccinated baby.
But, this claim is far from accurate and it was later proven wrong.
So, baby ear piercing without vaccinations is okay, but just for precaution, wait until the baby receives the shots and then get the piercings.
What age is best to pierce babies’ ears?
As discussed above, babies should not get their ears pierced before 2 months old. This means that you should avoid getting a baby ear piercing without vaccinations.
After the baby receives a tetanus shot and other necessary shots as well, you can consider this process. But be aware that after getting the piercing done before the baby’s ear-piercing heals.
What’s maybe the best thing to do is to consult with the baby’s pediatrician, and see if that’s the best decision. Some recommendable time for this is after the baby turns three months.
It’s also up to the parents if they will do this or not. If you like, you can leave this decision to the child when they get older, so they can take care of the piercing site by themselves.
Is it wrong to pierce a baby’s ears?
There’s nothing wrong if you want to get your baby’s ear pierced. Also, from a medical standpoint, there is no optimal age for children to have their ears pierced.
There is no risk of doing it when the baby is still an infant whatsoever, stated by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
However, it advises children not to get their ears pierced until they are able to care for the piercing site on their own.
What shots are required for ear piercing?
The most important thing when it comes to vaccinations before getting a baby’s ear pierced, is to get their first DPT vaccination. Eight weeks is typically when this shot is received and after that parents can consider taking their baby’s ears pierced.
According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, ear-piercing typically requires an initial consultation with a physician.
In most cases, the procedure begins with an evaluation by a pediatrician or pediatric otolaryngologist and involves taking a history, performing a clinical examination.
Typically, multiple visits are necessary in order to ensure that everything is going smoothly before proceeding with the actual piercing procedure.
How do you prepare a baby’s ear piercing?
- Wait for at least before your baby turns three months. Usually, infants who get their ear pierced and develop an infection and fever must be taken to the hospital afterward according to protocol if they get sick from it.
- Ensure sterile procedures are followed. Occasionally, pediatricians’ offices can do piercings as well. If this is the case, you can rest assured that the surroundings are safe and sterile.
But if you choose to go to the procedure in another place, it’s important for the person doing the piercing to be properly trained, use disposable gloves, and carefully sterilize the equipment.
- Metals must be selected carefully. Consider earring made from hypoallergenic material, like sterling silver.
Using them, allergies are unlikely to occur from these types of metals. Remember to avoid nickel when it comes to choosing the earring for the baby.
Nickel frequently causes allergic reactions, but in case of doubt, ask the piercer.
- Keep your baby’s hygiene on a high level. Avoid touching the pierced side and always make sure you wash your hands before touching and cleaning that area.
Clean it with a cotton swab three times a day while using alcohol, and make sure not to pull or push the earings.
- Don’t take out the earrings for at least six weeks. Make sure they are clean and don’t change or remove them from the recommended period of time.
- Be aware of infection signs. Contact your pediatrician in case of redness, swelling, or even a fever.
This can happen in the first 24 hours but it can also happen a few days after the baby got its ears pierced.
Can I pierce my baby’s ears at 2 months?
A baby’s ears can be safely pierced at around 2 months, but there are a few rules that parents need to keep in mind.
Pierced earlobes at 2 months coincide with children’s first vaccinations, including tetanus shot, making this the appropriate time for ear piercing.
Although many of the parents think it is okay to get a baby ear piercing without vaccinations, the better thing to do is to wait until the baby receives unnecessary shots, and then continue with the procedure.
Summary
Baby ear piercing without vaccinations is possible, but to be sure that no unpleasant situation will occur, the best thing to do is to wait until at least two months when the baby receives all the necessary shots.
This also includes tetanus vaccination, where there’s no chance that the baby can’t be affected by lockjaw infection.
As usual, the best thing to do is to follow the recommendation and do how your chosen pediatrician has advised you. There’s no need to rush to get your baby’s ears pierced.
But before you do it, make sure you and your baby are adequately prepared for getting ears pierced.
Make sure you choose the right person to do the procedure. It should be an expert in that area that has all the necessary information and own sterilized equipment.
Try to avoid nickel and rather go with earrings made from hypoallergenic materials. This way you are staying away from possible infections and allergic reactions.
Therefore, if you follow the advice and keep your baby’s hygiene at a high level, there’s no room for worrying.
If in any case, you see a change like redness, irritation, or even temperature on the baby’s ear, the infection has probably already happened and you should visit the doctor immediately to receive essential treatment.
