Ear Piercing for Babies — Right Age, Numbing Cream, and Aftercare Rules

Dr. Sandip Gupta

This video covers when to get a child's ears pierced, which cream to apply so the baby doesn't cry, where to get it done, and the aftercare rules. Correct age: Ear piercing should be done after 6 months. If you want to do it earlier, get it done at a minimum of 3 months, after the child's three DTP vaccines are complete. To reduce pain: Apply the cream called Prilox one hour before the piercing so the area becomes numb. Also, applying ice a little while before the piercing numbs the area, so the child does not feel pain there and cries less. Where to get it done: You can get ear piercing done by a doctor. If the jeweller is experienced and is doing it with sterile technique, it can be done there as well. Four aftercare points: Once the ear piercing is done, the earring that goes in should be left there for six weeks. Clean the area with an antiseptic solution twice a day for six weeks, until the wound heals completely. Whatever earring is used should be made of inert metal — silver, gold or surgical steel — otherwise there is a chance of an allergic reaction there. Never use dangling or hanging earrings, because children pull on them, which hurts them, and if it gets caught in clothes or somewhere it can cut, causing bleeding or injury. Relevant for: parents deciding when to get their baby's ears pierced; parents asking whether piercing before 6 months is safe and how it relates to DTP vaccination; parents wanting to know which numbing cream to use and how long before; parents asking whether to get it done at a doctor's clinic or a jeweller; parents asking how long to keep the first earring in and how to clean the piercing; and parents choosing earring metal or worried about allergic reaction and injury from hanging earrings. Disclaimer: This video is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every child is different — please consult your pediatrician before using any cream on your baby or getting the ears pierced, and seek medical attention if the site becomes red, swollen, painful, or has discharge.