Best place to get baby ear piercing: Where Should I Get My Baby’s Ears Pierced? (Best Places!)

Where Should I Get My Baby’s Ears Pierced? (Best Places!)

There is no right or wrong answer for getting baby’s ears pierced. Depending on whether the decision was cultural, cosmetic, or simply preference, you likely went back and forth on deciding whether or not to pierce baby’s ears in infancy. If you’ve finally made the choice to move forward with the perfect pair of studs, the next big decisions you need to make are the when and where while following health and safety guidelines.

The best place to get a baby’s ear pierced is at a pediatrician or a tattoo parlor because they maintain the highest standard of hygiene and they will use a sharp, hollow needle that is less painful and safer than the piercing gun used as places such as Walmart or Claire’s.

There are some medical and safety guidelines parents need to pay attention to before they head to their local mall and pop into any tween jewelry store. Shopping for a professional to perform the piercing is much more important than deciding on baby’s first pair of earrings.

Table of Contents

When can I get my baby’s ears pierced?

While ear piercing, when done professionally, is generally safe for young children and babies, the AAP recommends waiting until a child is old enough to take care of the piercing themselves. However, if you choose to get a child’s ears pierced in infancy, it’s recommended to wait until your child is at least three months old, but preferably as old as 6 months, to reduce the risk of infection or even a hospital stay.

It’s important to note that if a piercing becomes infected and the baby develops a fever a hospital stay may be necessary according to most health and safety protocols for children that young.

It’s wise to be sure baby is up to date on vaccines, like the tetanus shot, before making the appointment. According to the CDC, if parents are following the recommended vaccination schedule, a child will have their second tetanus vaccination at around 4 months of age.

What’s most important when piercing a baby’s ears is working with a trusted professional and following proper care and hygiene during the healing process.

Do babies need shots before getting ears pierced?

Some experts recommend waiting until baby has had two doses of the tetanus vaccine, which is done at 4 months according to the CDC recommended vaccine schedule. This provides additional protection for baby in case of infection.

How to care for infant ear piercings

Much like with piercings in older children and adults, it’s important to take excellent care of the area during the healing process to avoid pain and infections.

Follow these simple steps to keep your baby’s ear piercing cared for:

1. Avoid touching the piercings except for when you’re cleaning them
2. Use clean hands before touching the new piercings
3. Two to three times per day, clean the entire area surrounding the piercings with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab. Use this as a reminder to check that the earrings are secure and gently rotate the earrings.
4. Do not change the earrings for the first 4-6 weeks
5. Keep an eye out of redness, puss or swelling that lasts longer than 24 hours after the initial piercing was done. If a fever of 100.4 or greater develops or the ears feel warm to the touch the piercings may be infected.

If baby has signs of infection, continue to follow stringent aftercare steps, and call your pediatrician for advice or care.

How do you pierce an infant’s ears?

While there are different methods for piercing ears and other body parts, the ideal way to pierce a baby’s ears is with a needle, not a piercing gun, which you’ll generally find at most mall kiosks or jewelry stores. An experienced piercer, doctor, or nurse will be able to advise you further on best practices.

The piercing process is similar for infants as it is for adults. A mark is made on the earlobe as a guide for where the holes should go followed by sterilization and then piercing with sterile equipment. Much like with immunizations, you’ll be asked to hold baby still while the professional places the piercing. Earrings are then placed in the ears.

Be sure to familiarize yourself with the sterilization process and watch closely to make sure the technician performing the piercing follows best practices for sanitation. A professional piercer will follow these steps for providing a clean, safe experience:

1. Wash their hands and put on fresh gloves
2. Needles, tools, and jewelry should all be inside individually sealed, sterile packages
3. The piercer will change gloves if they have to touch anything in the room aside from their sterile tools and equipment

The AAP recommends using gold post, stud earrings with safety backing to reduce the risk of allergic reactions and inflammation, and for added security and safety.

They also advise that the procedure be done under sanitary conditions by a trained professional.

Do they numb baby’s ears before piercing?

Anytime needles are involved it’s generally not the most pleasant experience-especially for little ones. If you’re worried about discomfort during the piercing process, try bringing along an ice pack to help numb the area before and offer relief afterward.

Some pediatricians or medical professionals can prescribe a numbing cream or may apply it to the earlobe upon piercing if being done in a doctor’s office. Give your pediatrician a call to find out if this is an option for you.

Do babies cry when they get their ears pierced?

Just like with any injection, an ear-piercing will be painful for baby, so expect some tears. Try icing the area before and after to offer relief or bringing along a favorite toy, pacifier, bottle, etc. to offer comfort afterward. A tip to help reduce crying and anxiety is to call ahead to ask if there are two piercers available so the ears can be done at the same time.

The best place to get a baby’s ears pierced safely

There are more places than just the mall to get your ears pierced. In fact, you’ll want to steer clear of any place that uses a piercing gun to get your child’s ears pierced because, according to the Association of Professional Piercers a piercing gun is not ideal due to the risk of infection and the difficulty of proper sanitation using this equipment. Most mall kiosks and stores offer ear piercing with a piercing gun, so you may want to shop around for more options.

You can ask your dermatologist, pediatrician, tattoo parlor, an area jeweler, or local kiddie salon for infant piercing services. Just be sure that you check with the Better Business Bureau and do your research before making an appointment. If your pediatrician doesn’t offer piercing services, ask for a recommendation or the best place to start your search.

If you’re looking outside your pediatrician’s or other medical professional’s offices, then follow these guidelines for choosing a safe and reputable location for your child’s ear piercing:

• Is the location rated well with the Better Business Bureau?
• Is the location properly licensed and credentialed?
• Ask about AAP accreditation (Association of Professional Piercers)
• Ask about the process and sterilization techniques
• Check out portfolios and reviews
• Trust your instincts-if you don’t feel completely at ease then you’re not obligated to stay for your appointment

If you’re not able to have a medical professional, like your pediatrician, a nurse or dermatologist, pierce your baby’s ears, then try finding an Association of Professional Piercers member near you here.

Tattoo Parlour

While this may not be the first place you think of to take a child, outside of a medical office this is likely the best place to take a baby for ear piercing. Why? Because reputable tattoo parlors have trained piercers that are educated on proper sterilization, technique, and must adhere to strict health and safety guidelines.

Will tattoo shops pierce baby’s ears?

You’ll likely have to do some calling around and research in your local area, but this is not an unheard-of practice and many piercing professionals actually advocate for parents to take their kids to tattoo shops to get their children’s ears pierced rather than at the mall. You can expect to pay anywhere from $20-$40 and up for this service at a tattoo parlor.

Can a baby go into a tattoo shop?

With a consenting adult, children under 18 are generally able to head to the tattoo parlor for an appointment. Be sure to do your research on what’s allowed in your state and what the restrictions and preferences are of your local tattoo parlors. Some states require that a minor have a photo ID and other credentials prior to getting a piercing for recordkeeping and liability purposes. Again, try calling around to some reputable parlors and shops in your area to get some information on which ones provide this service for young children.

Pediatrician

Pediatric ear piercing is a service offered by some pediatrician’s offices, often referred to as medical ear piercing. This may be the most comfortable choice for parents, but not all offices offer this service. Pediatricians who offer this service are trained in piercing techniques and are experts in wound care and management (after all, you’re asking for holes in the body). Some pediatrician’s offices charge $75-$100 for this service.

Do all pediatricians pierce ears?

Not all pediatricians offer this service and if there is one in your area that does, you may need to be a patient of theirs to receive this service, but that may not always be the case. Some research and phone calls will help you determine what’s available in your area.

Walmart

Some select Walmart locations offer ear piercing services. They use the Inverness System, which is a piercing gun, and pricing starts at $10. You’ll need to call your local Walmart to see what ages they pierce and to learn more about their process.

Is it safe to pierce baby ears at Walmart?

Walmart uses the Inverness System, which is a piercing gun, and, ideally, a hollow needle is best for most piercings due to sterilization standards, technique, and healing. However, a piercing gun can be used on baby’s ears.

Claire’s

Most malls in America have the iconic Claire’s store. Known for their jewelry and accessories for kiddos to teens they also are known as the place to get your ears pierced at the mall. Claire’s stores offer ear piercing free with the purchase of starter kits, which are listed at $18 and up.

How old does a baby have to be to get her ears pierced at Claire’s?

Claire’s requires babies to have had a current DTaP shot, which will be by eight weeks of age.

Is it safe to pierce baby ears at Claire’s?

Generally speaking, yes, it’s safe to get an ear piercing at Claire’s stores. These stores offer general piercing services using pre-sterilized, individually packaged equipment.

Piercing Pagoda

The Piercing Pagoda is another iconic place to get ears pierced at the local mall. Most of these locations offer children’s ear-piercing services for kids as young as two months and up. Piercing Pagoda will offer to pierce both ears at once to help alleviate anxiety when two piercers are available, so call ahead to make arrangements.

How old does a baby have to be to get her ears pierced at Piercing Pagoda?

According to their website, they offer piercing services for babies two months and up. They also require a current DTaP shot.

Is it safe to pierce baby ears at Piercing Pagoda?

Piercing Pagoda technicians receive annual training and re-training to keep up with best practices and services. They use single-use, sterilized, and pre-packaged equipment for piercing. They offer short post style earrings ideal for kids 3 and under and allow for complementary follow-up visits if you have any concerns. For more information on their process, check their site here.

Remember to do careful research on reputable venues in your area that offer children’s piercing services-this is a relatively common procedure, so you should have plenty of options in your area. Just as important as when and where you choose to get your child’s ear pierced is how you care for it afterward. Be sure to closely follow aftercare instructions and keep a close eye on your child’s ear piercing in the weeks following the procedure to ensure proper healing so they can enjoy their earrings for a lifetime.

Places to Get Your Child’s Ears Pierced in Indy

Getting your child’s ears pierced is a big decision and finding a reliable, safe place to do it is a big part of the equation! Hopefully we can take some of the guesswork out of it with this information and list of local places that will pierce children’s ears, under the age of 18.

To Know

Indiana Law states that parents must produce written permission for children under 18 to get a piercing and many reputable tattoo/piercing parlors will require a birth certificate and parent ID, as well. The following adult tattoo and piercing parlors have been recommended as child friendly, but be sure to call in advance, as policies are constantly changing.

Tips:

• Make sure to do your own research before going to any piercing location. As a parent you have to feel comfortable with each location’s policies and methods in advance of the procedure.

• Pay attention to sanitary conditions. Does the space look clean? Does the piercing technician wash their hands, wear gloves, and remove tools from sanitary packaging?

• Ask about the type of earrings they will be using. Surgical steel posts are best and less likely to cause an infection.
• Be sure to ask about proper cleaning and healing. Ear piercings tend to heal within 4-6 weeks and need to be cleaned and turned regularly. Do not take posts out for extended periods of time during this healing process for risk of the holes closing prematurely.

Businesses Specializing in Children’s Ear Piercing

Inverness Safe & Gentle Ear Piercing
Locations through Central Indiana inside some of your favorite stores.
Read more about the system here.

Piercing Pagoda
6020 E 82nd Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46250
Phone: (317) 578-7796

Claire’s
Castelton Mall
Clay Terrace
Circle Centre
Greenwood Park Mall
Washington Square
And others…

Cookie Cutter locations (Limited)
Be sure to check the list of locations that offer ear piercing (complementary with earring purchase) but you can also get your child’s hair cut before or after!

Indy Tattoo/Piercing Parlors that Offer Ear Piercing

Steel Rod Tattoo
3710 Lafayette Rd
Indianapolis, IN

Carmel Tattoo INK
43 W Main St
Carmel, Indiana

Body Language Tattoo
6801 Madison Ave
Indianapolis, IN 46227
(317) 782-8866

Doctors/Pediatricians Who Perform Ear Piercing

Blomdahl Medical Ear Piercing
Available only through physicians
Call 1-888-493-5100 for information

St Vincent Pediatrics
Dickerson, Tamara MD -Pediatrician
8535 N Clearview Dr.  Suite 700
McCordsville, IN 46055
317-415-6450

Meridian Pediatrics
12065 Old Meridian St # 100
Carmel, IN 46032
(317) 844-5351

“System 75” for ear piercing – a worthy alternative to the usual “pistol” – health articles

Ear piercing is a responsible decision that is rarely trusted to children, although according to statistics, the vast majority of piercings (we are talking about the classic symmetrical ear piercing, and not piercing) are made precisely in childhood. As a rule, the decision that it is time for the child to acquire earrings is made by the parents. They also bear full responsibility for the consequences of the procedure and take on the difficulties of caring for pierced ears in the first months, since you cannot rely on the responsibility of the baby.

From a medical point of view, early ear piercing in children can be justified for several reasons:

• High regeneration rate – the earlier the injection is made, the shorter the recovery period
• Lack of memory of pain – the baby will not understand what is happening, and with the help of modern techniques will not notice the pain, therefore it will be easier to endure the manipulation than a grown-up child who is already able to have doubts and even with a strong desire to receive earrings will be afraid of an unknown danger, nervous
• Ease of care – in infancy, parents perform a number of care procedures familiar to a child, among which it is easy to include care for pierced ears: on the one hand, the child is not yet able to resist, on the other, he completely trusts the parent. In addition, it is easier for an adult to control the healing process and treat wounds in a timely manner than for a child, even if he is of a conscious age

StudexSystem 75 – what is it

Since specialists have to work mainly with children, ear piercing systems are constantly being improved. Medical needles are long gone as the least safe and most traumatic method. Now the leadership is shared by the usual and already well-known “gun” and the innovative American “System 75” for ear piercing. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Consider a classic pistol:

• The puncture is very fast and almost painless
• The hole is punched by a stud earring with a pointed end – in this way the jewelry is immediately inserted into the ear
• All jewelry materials are hypoallergenic and non-oxidizing – either surgical steel or gold-plated steel
• The thickness of the shank of the earring and, accordingly, the diameter of the piercing are such that, after the healing period, the studs can be changed to any other earrings

Of the minuses, it is worth noting:

• Loud bang when the spring is actuated can frighten a child, especially an infant
• Relative injury – the tissue is torn when punctured, which can give the child a few unpleasant moments
• Healing can also be quite sensitive – the lobes turn red and remain painful for several days, especially when touched, which cannot be avoided during the treatment of wounds
• Earrings have to be desterilized by taking them out of their packaging and loading them into a pistol, which increases the risk of infection

“System 75” for piercing the ears – the same pistol, but improved to take into account all the disadvantages of the previous generation of tools. This is by far the best ear piercing method for young children.

The best option for piercing children’s ears

Ear piercing with System 75 is a method developed at Stadex by leading experts in the United States in the field of ear piercing. This type of pistol is hand pressured, made of lightweight materials and has a new design so that it bears little resemblance to the imposing instruments of the past.

The manipulation features of this small machine gun eliminate inaccuracy, as the device allows you to aim reliably. The earring, which is also a needle, is quickly and accurately inserted into the tissues of the earlobe, without punching it with a blow (this is how an ordinary gun works), but as if pushing the tissues apart. As a result, pain during the procedure is reduced, and the recovery period is shortened and passes imperceptibly for the baby.

It is not by chance that needle earrings got such a name – in the new system they are distinguished by their thinness, which is an advantage when piercing the ears with System 75 for children of primary preschool and infant age, since ear tissues at these stages of development are still very delicate and vulnerable.

But the most important achievement of innovation is the complete sterility of the procedure. Unlike a pistol, which is a reusable tool, after a child’s ears are pierced, the 75 system is almost completely replaced: needle earrings are supplied in sealed factory packaging along with a cartridge, the elements of which touch the baby’s earlobes. After the puncture, the earrings remain in the earlobe, and the cartridge is completely removed. Thus, not only the transmission of bacteria from baby to baby is excluded, but also the contact of the hands of a specialist with any of the sterile parts.

Advantages and disadvantages of System 75

Ear piercing with 75 System compared to conventional pistol:

• The same speed, but there is no characteristic loud bang, which often frightens children, which is important, since the procedure will have to be repeated on the second earlobe, and the child after the first ear must agree to pierce the second
• It is preferable to pierce the ears with the “System 75” for a child under one year old, since the baby’s body is very susceptible to infections, and only this instrument can ensure complete sterility of the procedure
• With this gentle method of earlobe piercing, the recovery period is shortened. And although the earrings will also have to be worn for two months without removing, the wounds will heal much faster – the risk of infection during care will also be significantly reduced
• If the child becomes naughty after the first ear, the piercing of the second ear can be postponed – this will not affect the sterility of the procedure, since each of the needle earrings is packed separately: the second earring will simply remain unpacked. This system is especially convenient for asymmetric piercings (a second earring in the lobe or a piercing of one ear for a boy)
• Original earrings are distinguished by increased comfort: they are very small, with a thin stem, sharpened in a special way, when fastened, the sharp tip is completely covered by smooth, rounded clasp elements. All of them are made of medical steel or titanium and do not cause side effects

However, before deciding to pierce the ears of a child with System 75, you should familiarize yourself with the limitations of the method:

• Original earrings have a unique clasp size, so if you lose it, you will have to order exactly the same from the manufacturer
• The diameter of the System75 ear piercing needle is very small. On the one hand, this ensures painlessness, on the other hand, such narrow channels require careful selection of new jewelry. However, the authors of the method offer a wide range of earrings to wear (after wound healing). Different diameters will help to painlessly switch to larger legs
• The price for ear piercing with a pistol in Moscow is lower than with System 75
• Service remains innovative and not available everywhere

Healing after a puncture

User reviews in Moscow about ear piercing using System 75 note the extremely rapid healing of canals in children. This is facilitated by the own capabilities of the child’s body, the sterility of the procedure and the special jewelry material with high biocompatibility.

However, without proper care during the recovery period, none of these factors will be enough to maintain the health of the child. In the clinic, along with the new jewelry, parents should receive a memo describing the rules for caring for their ears after the procedure:

• The baby will be advised not to wet his head for the first three days and not to touch new jewelry with his hands. Be extremely careful when changing clothes
• Punctures should be treated several times a day with antiseptic solutions according to the scheme: in the first 2 weeks 4 times, then 2-3 times and, finally, in the 6th week – 1 time per day. As an antiseptic, it is convenient to use the original gel, which well envelops the walls of the canal, preventing the introduction of bacteria, and contributes to the speedy recovery
• For 6-8 weeks, the earrings will remain permanently in the lobe, but they must be rotated around their axis for a minute several times a day to prevent ingrowth and congestion in the canal. This must be done very carefully, with smooth movements
• After the first removal of the earring, the puncture sites, as well as the earring itself, must be treated with an alcohol solution before re-threading. When changing jewelry, store earrings in a clean sealed case

Advantages of the procedure in MEDSI:

• MEDSI is one of the few clinics where ears are pierced with System 75 in Moscow
• The equipment is approved by the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, has certificates of originality
• Wide range of original accessories and accessories
• Pediatric cosmetologists and otolaryngologists work with children
• The procedure takes place in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere
• Check-up appointment with a specialist after healing, selection of new earrings at will
• Consultation of a pediatric ENT or surgeon before the procedure for contraindications or problems during the recovery period

To make an appointment, call the round-the-clock phone: 8 (495) 7-800-500

Do not delay treatment, see a doctor now:

• Ear piercing Systema 75
• Pediatrician appointment

Ear piercing | When can a child’s ears be pierced?

The first ear piercing is an important event for children and parents. However, no matter how skilled the procedure, there is always a risk that the child will become allergic to wearing earrings during the initial healing period. Let’s talk about how to avoid this.

When can my child’s ears be pierced?

There are no rules on the age at which a child’s ears can be pierced. However, dermatologists at MC Medicover do not recommend ear piercing for infants. It should be noted that careful handling of earrings can be difficult with very young children. They are interested in the body and often affect the ears, which can complicate the healing process. You should also remember that when the child goes to kindergarten, you may be asked to remove the earrings. This is for the safety of the kids. This type of decoration can be torn off during the game. Doctors also note that everyone should be able to decide on their body, so the procedure should be carried out only when the child is confident in his decision.

Allergic reactions:

About 10% of the population are allergic to gold (more specifically, to the impurities it contains, including nickel). Therefore, leading dermatologists at MC Medicover do not recommend using gold products for ear piercing and wearing gold earrings during the initial healing period.

It is better to use gold-plated earrings in the visible part, and in the part in direct contact with the skin, made of pure medical alloy.

Earrings in silver are similarly made. Completely medically safe earrings, completely made of a special medical alloy of metals, the main of which is steel 300 series titanium.

Ear piercings at Medicover Medical Center use earrings with slightly thicker studs than normal earrings.

Where to get your ears pierced?

Dermatologists at MC Medicover advise visiting beauticians who use professional pistols. Using a gun involves piercing the earlobe. Before the procedure, it is very important to sterilize all parts of the gun, as bacteria may be present on it. The gun method is by far the fastest and least stressful, which is why moms of babies choose it.

Another option is to pierce the ear with a sterilized needle. This method is used in piercings that heal faster and minimize the risk of pus buildup or irritation.

Proper care must not be forgotten. Freshly sampled holes should be wiped twice a day with colloidal silver or octenisept. If alarming symptoms appear, such as accumulation of pus or significant redness, you should contact the specialist who performed the procedure.

Why? When is the earring removed six weeks after the piercing?

Because the hole shrinks immediately. A thicker hairpin provides an additional result. After that, you can easily put on any earring (which does not cause an allergic reaction in you), without exposing the delicate walls of the hole to irritation and infections.

Circulation at the ear piercing site ensures better healing. The piercing earrings are placed in a sterile cassette, and only these disposable elements come into contact with your body, thanks to which you are 100% protected from possible infections.

In the future, the choice of metal earrings, consult a dermatologist. Thanks to this, you will avoid the risk of allergies or sensitization.

First earrings after piercing

The first earrings after piercing must be sterilized and made of quality material – silver or gold. Both of the metals are characterized by bactericidal properties, due to which they do not cause an allergic reaction.

Hypoallergenic jewelry

The wound after ear piercing heals for more than a year. The risk of nickel allergy is currently the greatest. That’s why you should choose skin-friendly metals. By wearing hypoallergenic earrings, you reduce the risk of nickel allergy. These earrings are recommended for people who are already allergic to nickel and cannot wear other earrings.

Post-piercing:

Thoroughly rinse the pierced area (both sides) twice a day. When bathing, wash your ears with running water and liquid soap. Then rinse with plenty of running water and dry with paper towels. In addition, it is recommended to wash the ears with special disinfectant wipes (during the first six weeks). Disinfectant wipes can be purchased at salons that perform medical procedures for piercing the ears using the Blomdahl method. Never touch earrings with dirty hands. Do not twist the earrings.

Pierced ears take at least 6 weeks to heal. During this period, we should take special care of them. After treatment, we must receive detailed instructions from the beautician or piercer on how to care for and what should be avoided during healing. Regular hygiene and care will be especially important, thanks to which the puncture site will heal faster, and you can prevent infection and unsightly scars.

Always wash your hands before touching earrings and ears

Children should not touch earrings for no reason, especially with unwashed hands. However, it is recommended to return them 180 degrees clockwise daily. This prevents the earring from growing in. It is best to do this gently and in a playful environment so as not to frighten the child or hurt him.

Maintain hygiene and wash the puncture site

Hygiene is the most important thing in healing. Experienced dermatologists at MC Medicover recommend regular and thorough washing of earrings with notches on the clasps and the skin around the piercing. You need to do this twice a day and use special products based on saline. Forget about the old methods of using alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, which can irritate and dry sensitive skin, lengthen healing time, and cause a burning sensation that discourages the patient from tending to the wound.

Do not wet the puncture site

The puncture site must be dry so that it heals quickly and infection does not develop. For at least 6 months, it is better to abandon public pools. You should also pay attention to wiping the ears after bathing.