Ear piercing for babies is one of those topics that's sure to bring about some heated debates amongst your mum friends. Are you a yay or a nay?
If there’s one thing that causes a big fit of the judgey pants with mums from all over the world, it’s whether or not ear piercing for babies is a go or a no. Think back to when Kylie Jenner received plenty of criticism – and praise – on social media for piercing five-month-old Stormi’s ears. For many cultures, piercing an infant daughter’s ears is normal practice. In fact, in some countries, paediatricians do the piercing themselves! However, some mums argue that their daughters should be given the chance to make their own decision once they are old enough to be better informed. We’ve been speaking to a bunch of mums about this controversial topic and have also had a lively chat about this subject in the office. So, if you’ve been on the fence about getting your daughter’s ears pierced, perhaps these opinions may help with your own internal debate…
The big debate: Should I get my baby’s ears pierced?
YES, do it! Those in favour of baby ear piercing…
Because they won’t remember the pain…
Says Crystal T., “My parents didn’t do it for me when I was a baby, and I wish they had because I clearly remember the pain I felt! I was ten years old, and the piercings became infected because I went away to camp.” Suzanne T. agrees: “Yes, do it! My daughter had her ears pierced at two months old. I had mine when I was eight years old, and it hurt like hell! I didn’t want my daughter to get traumatised!”
Because there’s much less risk…
Arty M. shares, “There’s much less risk of scar tissue if you do it when they’re small.” Crystal T. also says, “Doing it when they’re much younger means they probably won’t even notice it, which means it will heal faster. Can you just imagine a toddler’s grubby hands on a piercing?”
Because they’ll get them anyway…
Gloria L. says, “If you do it when they’re babies, they don’t have to worry about it when they get older. Who doesn’t want earrings anyway?”
Those in the “no, wait until they’re older” camp….
Because they should have a choice…
Says Mila N., “It’s a rite of passage thing. When they are old enough to ask for them and take care of them, then they can have them! It’s their body, their choice! Just because we gave birth to them doesn’t mean we own their body. It’s up to them if they want piercings and tattoos.” Tash H., agrees. “I just think let them decide if they want it later on. I had my ears done super young, and I’ve not worn earrings for five years, and now the holes are still not closed to re-pierce. It’s a hassle. Definitely let them choose.”
Because I want my daughter to ask me herself so we can discuss the pros and cons…
Says Kristina B., “I feel as though it’s something I want my daughter to ask me for when she’s ready, and I feel like it shouldn’t be done just because she is a girl. With that being said, I definitely don’t judge those who choose to get their own child’s done, but personally, we’re doing it the way my mum did it for me!” Tracy T. says, “My mum made me wait until I was 10-years-old, and so in my mind, this was the age I had in mind for my own daughter. We’ve talked about the pros and cons, and for now, it’s a big fat con as far as she’s concerned. She’s almost 11-years-old, and is adamant she won’t get them done, which in turn makes me glad that I didn’t pierce her ears before she had a say.”
Because there’s a better chance of healing…
Says Kathryn E.,” I didn’t pierce my daughter’s ears because my parents did mine when I was six months old. When I grew, the hole wasn’t in the middle anymore; it was high up the lobe. There’s a better chance at symmetry when she’s older.”
Did that help?
If you do decide to pierce your daughter’s ears, remember that it comes with some risks. Before you get them pierced, speak to your doctor. Also, try to have the piercing done by a paediatrician or a reputable, professional piercer. If you can avoid a piercing gun, please do so because the chance of the piercing getting infected is higher. Once the piercing is done, make sure to keep an eye out for allergies. Some people are allergic to certain metals, which could cause the body to reject the earring. Also, try to keep the area as clean as possible.
Regardless of what anyone says, whether you pierce your infant daughter’s ears or choose to wait until she is older is a personal choice. Weigh the pros and cons, and choose what’s right for you!
Did you get your baby’s ears pierced when they were little, or did you wait? DM us and let us know your thoughts on the big debate!