Infant ear piercing?

Question

I was 3 months old when my mother pierced my ears, and I've had them ever since. I always thought if I had a daughter, I'd do the same.....well, here we are, and I'm waffeling on the idea. Friends say I could do it as soon as 6 weeks.

What are your experiences with having your infants ear pierced?
Where did you go to have it done?
What was their reaction?

I'm nervous about just going to the mall, should I decide to go.

I'm hesitant, because I don't want to hurt her. I'd like to do it when she's asleep, but that's a terrible way to wake up.

My mother told me that the only time I made a peep was when they marked my ear with a felt tipped marker.....

Any help would be appreciated!

Answer 1

Babies have no fear, and because of that, no emotional reaction to pain like a child or adult would. She will base her reaction to the initial pain on how YOU react to the situation.

Of course she'll cry, it hurts, but the emotional fear and pain wont be there unless you teach her it. So dont react with nervousness or cuddle her in a panic because she's crying. That teaches her that the situation was dangerous, and she should fear the pain.

The more you can smile and laugh and say happy toned things the more she'll realize its nothing to panic about. Same with injections of having blood taken. Its not painful. You just fear the pain.

I think its better to get it done early. Its over so fast, and no different than getting a shot.

Answer 2

Walmart will do it, but do NOT go there. I would never take my kids there to have their ears pierced because they messed mine up when I was younger. I'm no where near FL, but here in Ohio I called around to the local jewelers, and went from there. In my personal opnion, actual jewelry stores are best because you're getting good-quality piercing earings in your child's ears right away. edit for everyone saying that piercing an infants ears has to do with being compulsive about looks. My mom had my ears pierced when I was 12 months. I have since had my ears pierced another 4 times on my left ear and 3 times on my right. Out of all of those, the ones my mom had done are the ONLY ones that never got infected. There is so much less of a chance that a little girls ears will get infected while she's a baby than if you wait.

Answer 3

The idea to have your beautiful little one get their ears pierced always seemed adorable.
I had to take a sec. and think about the bigger picture. What happens if it becomes infected? Although I am sure that you would take good care not to let that happen. It could happen though. All children at some point in time get earaches. The only way you know this is happening is when they pull at their ears. I would think that would compound the problem for them.
That is the main reason I would not get their ears pierced.
Not to mention..........other children accidentally pulling on that pretty shinny earring.

I personally don't think it is worth it. I would let them make the choice when they are old enough.

Answer 4

I went to the mall. They won't pierce her ears with out her second set of shots which she gets at 8 wks.You have to bring her shot records. I don't think it would hurt too bad. My daughter cried for like 30 seconds and went back to bed. Just make sure the place uses sterile piercing needles. The lady pulled them out of the package in front of us. I also liked it because she's used to them so I don't worry about her pulling them or anything. They are like a fixture to her. I think I've seen her touch them once. She's 10 months.

Answer 5

Personally, I don't think a baby should have her ear's pierced.
I think your daughter should decided when she wants them done. Usually in elementary school or middle school she will come to you and ask to get them pierced and then you can take her and it will be a girls outing.
She will be able to take care of them herself.
A baby can't take care of her ears, there could be infections most cases there aren't but it is a possibility.
Earrings can snag on blankets also, and that can really hurt.
I just think it's more special when your daughter is older and has decided on her own that she wants her ears pierced.
That is just my opinion.

Answer 6

I had my daughters ears pierced at six months. Her pediatrician did it and she cried when it was done but stopped as soon as it was over. She is three now and has not had any problems. If they get them pierced that young they are used to them as they grow and don't seem to mess with them. If her doctor doesn't do it, I would take her to JCPenny or another store like that. I would never take her to the mall and have some sixteen year old do it.

Answer 7

I've always felt that when a child is old enough to ask for her ears to be pierced, she is old enough to have them pierced. That said, she's your baby and ultimately as the mother it is your choice. Be aware though that sometimes when the ears are pierced so young they grow crooked when the child grows up. Also, make sure she has had all of her vaccinations.

Answer 8

W had our daughters pierced when she was like 8 weeks. She screamed for a minute and that was that. It was easier to take care.
We just got our nieces done a few days ago and I wish she had them done earlier. She gripes all the time about them itching and I have to constantly get on to her to leave them alone.
Yeah yeah yeah if she doesnt want them pierced when she is older she can make the decision not to wear earrings.

Answer 9

I did all of my daughters before they were one. They are very tolerant to pain, are more likely (actually, they will) to forget the pain, and they are less likely to fiddle with them and pull it out or damage their ears.

Mine simply cried about 15 seconds, and then it was done, and I gave her an age appropriate treat after wards. I did go to the Mall, and they were very professional about it. If you get an assistant that seems unsure, or gives you an attitude, GO SOMEWHERE ELSE.

No worries, Mom. It won't hurt her too much, and it will be done and over with safely.

Answer 10

You should do what you are comfortable with. It doesn't hurt them at all. It may startle them, but doesn't hurt them. If you get them pierced while they are young, then they don't play with them as much as they get older. 6 weeks is a good time, and the mall is fine to get it done at.