When are children old enough to have piercings? (2024)

FAQs

When are children old enough to have piercings? ›

You can consult with your pediatrician on whether to pierce your baby's ears, but many recommend that your baby is at least three months old. Some people pierce their kids' ears during infancy while others will wait until the child is mature enough to take care of the piercing site.

I would recommend waiting until 3 or 4 months old, when the child has at least one or two sets of vaccines. At that age, if they get a fever it is not as concerning as when they are newborns.

MINORS – PIERCING

If you are under 18 the parent or legal guardian must accompany the minor for the entire procedure. A government issued photo ID will be needed from both the minor and the parent or legal guardian.

The most popular age at which we see children receiving their first ear piercing is 8, and the age we see the least often is 1.5-3 years old. What About the Young-At-Heart? As for adults, the age at which to get an ear piercing is entirely up to the individual.

While the family's traditions and culture may influence the timing of piercing a child's ears, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) typically recommends that parents wait until children are able to manage and help care for the piercing on their own.

“The problem with piercing the ears too young is the child can pull at (the earring) and it can rip through. Most kids are getting pierced around 9, 10, 11, or 12,” said Dr. Ulery, who cautioned about the risk of infection from non-sterilized equipment. “Infection is always your biggest issue when it comes to piercing.

Anyone getting pierced or having jewelry inserted into a piercing must provide proof of age and identification. This includes minors who are accompanied by a parent.

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 38 US states have laws that permit body piercing and tattooing on minors provided parental permission is provided.

You must be 12 and up to get any outer ear piercings, and some facial piercings. For navel or tongue you must be 14 and up.

He noted that 12 is a popular age, but for parents who prefer to do it when their kids are younger, he recommends 4 months, since most babies have had a few tetanus shots by then. Kelly said 12 or 13, the age she got her second piercings, is the ideal age. “I was old enough to know for sure that I wanted it.”

What percentage of girls get their ears pierced? ›

Between 80-90 percent of American women have their ears pierced, and men are also joining the ear-piercing ranks. Body modifications have been trendy for centuries, first discovered in Otzi, the famous “Iceman” mummy that lived between 3400-3100 BCE. In earlier centuries, ear piercing was a sign of nobility.

It is very common for children of all ages to sport pierced lobes. Cartilage piercings are also the "norm." From helix and industrial piercings to daiths and rooks, there are a number piercings your child may want to get in or around their ear.

Getting your ears pierced at Claire's is safe, sterile and easy. Our highly trained specialists provide a touch-free piercing experience that uses single-use sterile cartridges and requires no needles. Our equipment is sanitized before and after every customer.

“When your daughter gets her ears pierced, it will be somewhat painful,” Dr. Swanson says.

Ear piercings aren't painful by themselves, but they still hurt! The stress that precedes the procedure can undoubtedly result in a painful experience. So, it's a must that it be performed safely and hygienically by a pediatrician. You should also learn how to care for your child's new piercings at home.

Usually, a baby's ear piercing can heal within 8-12 weeks. However, there are some cases that might even take up to six months. So, keeping it for 12 weeks should be enough, if you have the option to keep it in for six months this might be the best option.