Your baby is THE cutest baby, this you know. But, your baby should also be the safest…
Parents may hold various reason to have their child’s ears pierced; infant ear piercing is a hot button issue, and has been on the rise the past couple decades as parents learned that maybe the store in the mall isn’t the best option on the table.
As knowledge regarding the dangers of piercing guns became more widespread, parents began to turn to their local tattoo parlors as the safer alternative: they weren’t coming for the checkerboard floors or the framed flash sheets, but rather, the illustrious PIERCING NEEDLE they had heard so much about!
The only problem now was…some shops still wouldn’t pierce their kids. Well, why would we push the “anti-piercing gun” agenda so hard if we weren’t going to pierce your infant, regardless?
Because - when they ARE of an age they can consent to a permanent alteration to their body, this is the safest route available. In a sterile environment with single-use tools, proper aftercare, and appropriate jewelry.
Your piercer may hold just as many reasons as to why they’d like to wait, as you might hold for why you do not wish to.
(I happen to be one of those piercers.)
As of January 2023, I begin lobe piercings on minors as young as the day of their 7th birthday. Consent of the child is a monumental factor in my decision. I will always ask them prior if this is something that they are choosing to do for themselves. I observe their excitement and look for a good level of maturity.
At this age, I find that many children are able to take on a dedicated responsibility with conscience, and can understand the consequences of a failure to do so. In addition to the mechanical risks associated with infant ear piercing (such as migration of piercing location as the child’s body develops, and inability to keep small, bacteria-laced fingers from grabbing at a hurting wound), I also find that you may be denying that child, at such a young age, the experience it takes to nurture something to success — such as a piercing that must be cared for for up to 8 weeks. You also deny that child of an understanding of what bodily autonomy truly means; I.e., “the freedom to make their own choices about their bodies.”
When it comes down to it, this is the youngest age range in which I am currently comfortable piercing. It’s also vital to note: I do not believe in forcing children to complete a full lobe set in one appointment if they aren’t feeling up to it. While it is great to discuss aspects of courage and bravery beforehand, it’s also equally important for them to understand and adhere to their own boundaries.
While it may be frustrating to find a reputable piercer to carry out the quest of piercing your infant, it’s essential to remember that they are doing so with your child’s best interest in mind - NOT just for profit. Some piercers may agree to pierce your infant as they may be comfortable in doing so (and no disrespect to them), but make sure you are doing your due diligence in your research beforehand. Know what to expect. Understand the risks.
Schedule a time you can bring your child to the shop so they can familiarize themselves with what may be a very intimidating environment for them. Allow them to talk to the piercer and ask questions, and ensure they keep this new knowledge in tow.
Allowing your child to make this very big decision on their own is a testament to your support of their character-identity, self-expression, and healthy boundaries.
A lesson sealed with a little sparkle! ✨✨✨
ID REQUIREMENTS FOR MINORS (under 18)
You must have ALL of the following at the time of the appointment or we will not Pierce you (as per state law):
Minor’s license, Permit, passport, or other state-issued photo ID which includes an address and date of birth
School yearbook photo, or work badge with their photo (ONLY if minor has NO state-issued ID yet)
Birth certificate copy
The parent or legal guardian to the child MUST show:
valid state or federal-issued photo ID that shows MATCHING LAST NAME AND ADDRESS
If the last names and/or addresses DO NOT MATCH: need the minor's original birth certificate to prove their relation to one another; marriage license, or change-of-name form
Legal guardian of the child MUST show official paperwork (not copies, unless notarized) proving your legal responsibility to them.
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