Many people pierce their child's ears while they're still babies or toddlers. This can be quite a controversial topic depending on where you come from. Some people see nothing wrong with it, while others do not agree with the practice. Before making up your mind to pierce your baby's ears, you must understand the risks involved and the safety measures you should take.

From cultural norms and parent preference to the question of consent, there are a lot of factors that go into deciding the right time to pierce a child's ears. Many parents perform the ear piercing procedure before or during the naming ceremony of the baby. It is a common misconception that baby's ear cartilage and skin is extremely thin and hence the piercing can be done conveniently... which is not the right way!

Let us have a look as to when and how this procedure needs to be done in children..

Ideal age of ear piercing - After 4 months of age and before 2 years!

Why - The baby is already given second set of primary vaccines by 4 months of age and hence he/she can be protected against tetanus! Before 2 years of age is better because the skin and cartilage of the child is still soft and hence they experience less pain or discomfort.

Material for ear piercing - Look for earrings that are nickel or cobalt free (no alloys) as children's ears are very delicate and sensitive. Gold, sterling silver and surgical steel are the best choices for children. Avoid costume jewellery, which has very thin plating that will easily wear off and start to irritate.

How to reduce ear piercing pain - Apply lignocaine gel 20 minutes before piercing. Gun shot method is better than traditional piercing.

Thank me later 👋