Children's ear piercing. The question of when and how (and where) to have you child’s ears pierced is one any good parent would take very seriously. It’s hard to know when your son or daughter is ready, and the fact that they are asking you passionately doesn’t mean they are.
Not only may the procedure itself hurt, but the child has to keep the area clean and uninfected and take care of the piercing and earring. That can be a lot of responsibility.
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However, it’s something that millions of parents do every year, and it can add a wonderful dimension to your child’s life and your relationship.
Many people believe that unless you’ve pierced your baby’s ears, it is best to wait until the child is about 9 or 10, but that’s often a few years after they’ve been pleading. One thing to keep in mind is that the child should have his or her tetanus shot first.
Children's Ear Piercing Tip #1: Finding The Best Salon for your Child’s Ear Piercing
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Once you’ve made the decision to go ahead with the piercing, it’s extremely important to find a salon that meets your standards. A lot of the success or failure of this delicate procedure can center around picking the right professional to do the piercing. Just because a person has experience piercing ears doesn’t mean that person is right for piercing a child’s ears.
Here are some things to consider
- Find out from some friends where they have taken their children. This trusted reference may be indispensable.
- Ask any professional at a salon if they have experience piercing children’s ears. You may ask them if they have strategies for working with kids.
- Find out if the earrings come packaged. They should be pre-sterilized.
Children's Ear Piercing Tip #2: How to Make It is Painless As Possible
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Once you’ve made the decision to have your child’s ear pierced, a real milestone, you’ll certainly want to do all you can to make it as comfortable as possible. Here are some tips.
Many pediatricians are now piercing ears, so that might be an option. Doctors know how to do procedures in a way that’s as painless as possible. If you’re going to a salon, you can still ask your M.D. for a prescription for a topical lidocaine cream.
This will numb the earlobes. Rub a layer of the cream on the lobes about an hour before the piercing. Alternatively, use ice. Try to gently prepare your child for the brief pain without scaring her.
Children's Ear Piercing Tip #3: Caring for the Ear After the Piercing
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The time after the piercing can be crucial, and it can be a bit trying for a parent. This is where you have to really teach your child to care for the piercing and the area around it. It can be hard to do, and problems could arise if your child doesn’t take proper care.
It’s important to oversee the crucial few weeks after the piercing while still allowing your daughter (or son) to take a role of responsibility.
Your child will have to keep the area clean with a cotton swab with disinfectant two or three times per day. After showing them how for the first couple of days, you can turn the task over to them.
If you see any redness or swelling, be sure to call a doctor right away. You may wish to rotate the earrings at least once a day. This will prevent scar tissue from forming after children's ear piercing.
After that, be sure to have your child continue wearing earrings for at least six months. Otherwise the hole might close up. Now, you can have a great bonding experience with your child as you help them build a great earring collection.
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