When Can Babies Get Their Ears Pierced at Claire's?

If you were a Claire's kid (or teen) and want to keep the piercing tradition going with your kids, you might be wondering if and when can babies get their ears pierced at Claire's? But let's be real, the topic of babies and piercings can be tricky, with everyone having their own opinions about when and how you should do it.

To help inform you before booking your appointment, we talked to Krupa Playforth, MD, a board-certified pediatrician, to answer all your piercing questions, from age requirements to aftercare for piercings. We also took a closer look at Claire's piercing policies and safety requirements so you can get a full look into what to expect before you book your appointment.

What is the best age to get a baby's ears pierced?

Although there are no official guidelines for the best age for piercings, Playforth recommends waiting at least two weeks after a baby's first set of vaccines, which is usually given at two months of age. However, there are some pediatricians who recommend waiting longer (four months) until your baby has received their second set of vaccines. Waiting until this point also allows for the earlobe to be a little bit bigger, which makes it easier to pierce, says Playforth.

When can babies get their ears pierced at Claire's?

According to Claire's website, the right age for piercings really depends on the parent and child. Some parents may prefer to wait until their child is older to understand the responsibility of pierced ears and the aftercare process, while others may want to pierce their baby's ears earlier so it's already done. No matter what you choose, it's important to check the age restrictions for all piercings with Claire's piercing specialists before scheduling an appointment.

Will Claire's pierce my baby's ears?

Although Claire's will pierce your child's ears, you should be aware that there are age restrictions on all piercings. If you have any questions about the age restrictions or vaccination requirements, it's best to get more information from your local Claire's store. Parents of infants might be required to provide the date of their child's recent immunizations before getting their ears pierced.

Is Claire's safe for ear piercing?

According to Claire's piercing guide, the piercing process is safe from beginning to end. First, a piercing specialist will walk you through the process and help you choose your earrings and the position of the earrings. Then, the equipment will be sanitized, and a high-quality Studex* Piercing instrument system that uses single-use, needleless sterile cartridges will be used. After the piercing is completed, the piercing specialist will coach you on aftercare and sanitize all piercing equipment again.

FYI: All piercers at Claire's receive training in a variety of techniques, such as understanding local policies, adhering to hygiene guidelines, and demonstrating fundamental piercing skills.

FAQs

What should I look for in a piercer?

Before your baby gets a piercing, make sure you do your research and choose a piercer who is experienced and comfortable with children, advises Playforth. "You'll also want to look closely at the way ears will be pierced, along with ensuring that the piercing is happening in a sterile environment with good attention to detail,"  she adds. Choosing a piercer who has completed safety training programs is also advisable because it guarantees that the piercer has received comprehensive training in health and safety, hand washing, marking, and piercing placement.

How do I care for my baby's ears after piercing?

If you're thinking about piercing your baby's ears, remember that aftercare is crucial. Playforth advises cleaning the area twice a day with liquid soap and water, but be gentle and don't handle the earring too much. It's also important to choose your earrings carefully because you won't be able to change out the earring posts for at least six to 12 weeks after piercing.

What type of earrings should I use for my baby?

To ensure your baby's safety and comfort, it's important to choose the right type of earrings for them. One way to minimize the risk of an allergic reaction is to opt for hypoallergenic earrings, especially during the first year after piercing, says Playforth. "Always use a high-quality material to avoid any complications down the line," she tells Today's Parent. "I selected medical-grade nickel-free earrings when we pierced my daughter's ears in infancy."

Playforth also suggests that studs are the best type of earrings for babies, as they cannot be pulled on or caught onto things, making them safe for babies.

Is a piercing needle better than a piercing gun? 

Piercing needles may be a better option for piercings if you want to minimize skin trauma, according to Playforth. "Some ear, nose, and throat surgeons feel strongly that a piercing needle is a better choice than a piercing gun because there is a more precise piercing with less skin trauma. If, however, you are picking a piercer who uses a piercing gun, always make sure they are using a sterile cassette."