Can you pierce a baby's ears?

To the question "Can you pierce a baby's ears?" we can obviously answer: yes. But to the question "Should you pierce a baby's ears?", the answer is no longer so straightforward. Setting aside the parents' wishes, the question centres on whether it is the right time and whether it might be better to wait. It also raises the issue of the pain felt by the baby, whether the procedure is safe, what risks are involved, and a whole host of other questions for which it is difficult to find a clear answer.

Piercing a baby's ears: for or against?

It is difficult to give a clear-cut opinion on this matter. It is worth bearing in mind that, beyond aesthetics, some people wish to pierce their child's ears whilst still a baby because it is part of their cultural tradition. It then becomes difficult to argue against their choice, since it is often decided even before the child is born. Whether you wish to pierce your child's ears whilst they are still a baby, or prefer to wait until they are a certain age, precautions must be taken and it is important to understand that there are risks involved, even if this practice has become normalised.

What are the risks?

As with any piercing, there are risks: - There is a risk of infection, meaning that an infection may develop in the ear hole, with bacteria taking advantage of this "opening" to enter the baby's still-fragile body. It is possible to contract a staphylococcal infection, septicaemia, a local abscess, or a cartilage infection. - There is a viral risk, often linked to a lack of hygiene at the establishment and with the instruments used for the piercing. This lack of professionalism, which is unfortunately not uncommon, can lead to herpes, and hepatitis B, C, and D. There are therefore very real risks, and this procedure should not be taken for granted. What precautions should you take before piercing a baby's ears? Obviously, choose a suitable, clean setting and a qualified professional! Have your child's ears pierced by a professional who uses sterilised instruments and will take care to explain the aftercare steps to follow.

What aftercare is needed once a baby's ears have been pierced?

A period of 4 weeks is needed for the tissue to heal. You must apply the aftercare advised and ensure that the baby does not touch the area. Close supervision is essential to prevent the child from pulling on the earrings and hurting themselves, and to avoid all the risks mentioned above.

What is the ideal age for ear piercing?

We recommend waiting until your child is at least 24 months old (the age advised by paediatricians) before choosing to have their ears pierced. At this age, the child better understands that they must not touch their ears or play with the earrings. It is also worth pointing out that you can simply wait until the child is old enough to reason for themselves — until the moment when they can decide for themselves whether they want their ears pierced. After all, it does concern them! Magnetic earrings are a seemingly good idea that falls flat in practice, as young children can remove them very quickly and swallow them. Now that you are better informed of the risks and precautions to take, it is up to you to decide whether you wish to pierce your child's ears at a young age, or whether you would prefer to wait!