Hey gang, it’s been a while since I brought my thoughts to this blog, so for that I’m back. Well since I’m in a blogging mood and because I have a question to ask you guys (and gals).
When is it safe to pierce my Addy Boo’s ears?
I’ve read mixed reviews of the topic, from people getting newborn’s ears holed-up to waiting until she’s at least 6 months, which is what our pediatrician recommended. The problem isn’t the where to get her ears poked, because our doctor does them in his office, we just have to ask in advance and pay them there….all about the Benjamins baby! Now the debate between her mother and I, is to do it now or wait till she can decide for herself. Of course I’m the one who wants her to wear them because I have a girl and I want people to know she’s a girl…with her first BLING!
Here is what I’ve found from a doctor:
Some people pierce their children’s ears when they’re newborns and there’s no medical reason to wait. But the procedure is not without risk.
Not all ear-piercing operations have the proper equipment or staff trained to work specifically with young children. For example, ear piercing guns cannot be sterilized, which means that it’s possible to contract hepatitis or some other infection from them. If you’re set on having your baby’s ears pierced, it’s probably safer to ask your pediatrician if she’ll do it for you with a needle. And here’s what else you should know before having the procedure done:Ear piercing is usually done without painkillers because the piercing itself hurts less than a shot of anesthetic would. (You can give your baby a dose of infants’ acetaminophen or ibuprofen before the procedure if you want.)
Another thing to remember is that your child will be constantly touching her ears and the pierced area can easily become infected. To help guard against this, you’ll need to clean the posts and the area around the ear with alcohol or hydrogen peroxide several times a day (or as often as your doctor recommends). Watch for increased redness or tenderness around the piercing hole and on the earlobe that could indicate infection.
There’s also a chance that your child will have an allergic reaction to metals after getting her ears pierced. If she develops a rash around the piercing, you’ll need to take the earrings out. To avoid this, you can try to make sure that the parts of the earrings that touch her ear are made of surgical steel or 14 karat gold. (This includes not only the posts but the backs as well.) If the rash doesn’t subside, your child will probably not be able to wear earrings.
Normally I’m the type of parent that will do what I want with my baby, because she’s mine, but since Bre has been asking everybody that isn’t bald for natural hair advice, I’m going to see what you guys have to say about when it’s safe to pierce Addy’s ears? Depending on what I learn here, Addy may just get her ears pierced at her 6 month doctor’s visit at the end of the month.
Thanks for tuning in….
BROWNLEE
Normally, I agree with Bre'…just off GP(and she usually does have a GREAT point), but here…I totally disagree with her stance. I got my ears pierced at 7 and I still remember how bad it hurt, and how pissed off I was at my mom for waiting so long and then trying to make me be responsible. I mean, really? I'm 7. All I know is ALL my friends have their ears pierced, I'm a girl (and you're "supposed" to have your ears pierced), and of course I'm going to promise you that I'll take care of it…I REALLY REALLY want them. IDK. I mean, I can see both sides of the argument, but I really just don't think it's "fair" to her to not do it while she's young. I mean…she'll probably be more upset for NOT having them than she will be if she happens to decide she doesn't want them and just has to take them out and let the holes close. As far as the "risk" goes…sounds like the same "risk" that you have when trying out new foods. Take her to the doctor before she turns 1. 🙂
I don't question the safety of it. If anything it would be an annoyance for you (Brownlee) to have to clean them 5 times a day or whatever. I'm sure the doctors office is super clean and at the rate Addy is going with lack of allergies she should be safe. It's more like why get her ears pierced.
Do it now. That way she can beg you for a 2nd hole in middle school.
I vote now. Baby girls look so precious with their ears pierced and they barely remember getting it done after 5 minutes. Plus all she does is lay around all day so a cleaning schedule is easy. But a busy 7 year old that knows pain sucks….yeah, I just think its better to knock it out now rather than later. But I have a daughter with stretched earlobes and double piercings. I'm liberal on piercings lol.
Well I'm an advocate for the 6-month piercing. T got he ears pierced when she was 6 months. Bre' was 7 at the time, and she got her ears pierced as well (her request). Tristan cried for 2 seconds, took her bottle, and never had a problem. I'm guessing since Addy Boo has some of the same genes that she'll be fine. One vote from me for 6 months!