Safety Precautions for Piercing Baby’s Ears

If you’re considering piercing your baby’s ears, there are some precautions you can take to ensure it’s done as safely as possible and risks to be mindful of post piercing. Jenelle Ferry, M.D., a board-certified neonatologist at Pediatrix® Neonatology of Florida, recommends that when choosing where to have baby’s ears pierced, parents inquire about whether the tools and equipment  are properly sterilized (and how), how much experience they have performing ear piercings (including their experience with babies), what types of earrings are used for the piercing and if they have any age requirements. Post piercing, earrings can become a choking hazard if they come loose or are pulled out. “For infants and toddlers, earrings with locking or screw-on backs can be more secure and reduce the risk of the object coming loose from the ear and potentially getting into the airway,” said Dr. Ferry.

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