This is a question parents ask us a lot. We’re glad to give you some facts and recommendations:
This is a difficult question to answer, since there is no “best” or “right” age for kids to have their ears pierced. STUDEX, with its ear piercing systems and earrings, has a presence in over 70 countries on 6 continents, and thus we know that there are many different points of view. You will find that every culture has a different answer to this question. In some cultures, such as Mexico or Italy, it is very common to have little girls’ ears pierced at baby age. In other cultures, you will find some who think kids shouldn’t have their ears pierced at all. In many countries we observe a trend towards more and more kids with ear piercings, especially if their parents, more frequently their mothers, wear earrings themselves. In general, there is an overall increase in ear piercings for kids worldwide.
We don’t tell parents what to do or what not to do. If parents ask us, we recommend to wait with ear piercings for their kids until they’ve received the most important vaccinations (such as their first D.P.T. shots). If you’re uncertain, consult your kid’s pediatrician. We would also recommend to wait until your kids express a wish for earrings themselves. Some kids want earrings at the age of 5, some at the age of 15, and some will never want earrings at all.
When you and your kids decide for ear piercings, do your child (and thus yourself) a favor and pick a store which uses state-of-the art STUDEX ear piercing instruments. Thus you can be sure to be offered the best quality. STUDEX is the leading brand for ear piercing systems worldwide. For kids we recommend our STUDEX System75. With this new, patented technology, kids will barely notice when their ears are pierced. In addition, the piercing process is virtually silent, so that kids aren’t startled. Our partners are well trained. Not only are our piercing studs sterile, but you and your child can select high-quality materials and really cute designs. For the very little ones, our Kids Line offers lovely first earrings with a pretty gift box.
If your child can help choose her or his earrings, she or he will focus on the nice earrings and less on the piercing process. Your wording is important too. Avoid frightening words such us “punching” or “gun”. Instead, say something like, “Let’s get your earrings.” The ear piercing specialist uses a “little earring instrument”. (The STUDEX System75 might be shaped like a gun, but the piercing process is much gentler.) Pick a quality store which uses STUDEX products. First, you might want to go to the store with your child and just look at the earrings. When you go back for the ear piercings on another day, your child will remember the friendly jeweler and feel more at home. You’ll probably remember this from doctor’s visits with your child: Many kids are a little scared of shots, even though they are just a little pinch. Compared to getting shots, ear piercing with our System75 is barely noticeable, even for kids.
Good after piercing care is extremely important. As parents, this is naturally your responsibility too. Please read and follow our after piercing care advice. Depending on your child’s age, explain to her or him how she or he can help her or his ears to heal quickly. Always make sure that the earring backs (butterflies) are not pushed too closely towards the ear piercing. They need to be positioned at the notch towards the end of the earring post to allow for air circulation.
We receive very positive feedback from parents who selected a STUDEX partner store for their kid’s ear piercings. Not only are they happy with the earrings, but also with the ear piercing experience. We’d appreciate if you’d like to share your experience with us, too.