Many parents are overjoyed to welcome their little ones into the world, and usually with double excitement to think of them as their mini-me.
Your imagination runs wild the soonest you find out you’re expecting. Visualising them donning the cutest collections of dresses, overalls, and of course, accessories.
It is becoming common practise in Malaysia for some parents to start donning their little girls or boys with jewellery even before they turn one.
Despite the long-standing debate about whether or not ear piercing is appropriate for young children, there are no rules against it. So, it is up to you as parents to decide when is the best time for piercing works to be done on your kids, if at all.
Nonetheless, making an informed decision about ear piercing is the best way to go. So, here are a few things to keep in mind before you make that decision.
What Is the Best Age for an Ear Piercing?
Medically speaking, there is no right or wrong time when young people may get their ears pierced. Some parents even believe that the younger the infant, the faster they will heal and the less pain they will remember during the procedure.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), there is little risk at any age if ear piercing is done carefully and properly. However, many doctors advise waiting until they are at least 3 months old as a precautionary measure. The reason for this is that if you pierced a newborn (or a child under three months old) and they became infected with a fever, they would have to be admitted to the hospital.
You should also make sure that your kids have taken their tetanus shot before piercing their ears. On the other hand, when it comes to the emotional side of things, you might want to wait until your child is older to see if it is something they would appreciate.
The Best Way to Go About It
Of course, there are numerous methods for ear piercing. Online stores even sell a one-time, self-piercing kit that you can order and DIY at home. But is that the best way to go about it? When deciding about puncturing a hole through your little munchkins’ ears, you want to do it safely and efficiently.
For instance, did you know that some clinics provide ear piercing services? If you can find one of these facilities, consider having your kids’ ears pierced there. Your kids should be in good hands, thanks to sterile equipment and skilled medical professionals.
You can also go to reputable jewellery stores and have the procedure done there, where they may use needles or piercing guns. Whatever it is, make sure that the items used are sterile to avoid putting your child at risk. You could also request that both ears be done at the same time to expedite the process!
Things to Look Out for After Ear Piercing
Now that the piercing procedure is complete, it is critical to monitor the area regularly. Here are a few things to remember:
- Choose the right first pair of earrings – Consider your kids’ age when choosing earrings. Dangly accessories should be avoided for small children because they can become entangled in clothing and be yanked out.
- Possibility of allergy – Another factor to consider when selecting the first pair of earrings for your children is the material. Even hypoallergenic materials such as gold and sterling silver may cause allergic reactions in some kids. So, if this is the first time they are wearing these materials, just keep an eye out for any reactions.
- Probability of infection – Do some preliminary research to ensure that you recognise any signs of infection, such as pus, throbbing pain, redness, or swelling, especially within the first 24 hours after the piercing.
- Handle with care – The first few weeks after the procedure is critical for healing. You would want to be present and ensure that they do not play with their piercing. If your kids are old enough to understand and receive instructions, remind them from time to time that the wound is still healing and any mishandling may cause a tear. To allow the earlobes to heal properly, avoid changing earrings before 6-8 weeks.
- Keep it as clean as it can be – Cleaning up the pierced area may appear minor, but it is very important. Always wash your hands with soap before touching the pierced area. Avoid using harsh cleaning agents like rubbing alcohol and/or hydrogen peroxide. Keep hairspray, shampoo, perfumes, and other similar products away from the earrings.
- Make the moment as memorable as you can – Considering different bodies heal at different pace, you should keep in mind that your child’s experience may differ from yours. This is an opportunity for you to bond with your children and find out how they are feeling, what their thoughts are on the experience, and perhaps a teaching moment where you can share with them the best practises for caring for their accessories like earrings.
At the end of the day, it is up to you to decide what is best for your loved ones. Just make sure to do your research and take your time before making any major decisions, such as ear piercing. Good luck, mummies!
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